there's a group called "colorado canyon crawlers", that meets in gj once a month, mild to medium rigs. a lot of the guys from offroad design go wheeling with them. let me know if you want more info and i can pm you a contact number.
i'm in rifle, but more of a chevy guy. best way to learn about it is start wheeling with guys that know, and research.
checkout pirate4x4: tons of info, extreme builds, need thick skin, humility, and manners. search before asking, always, especially at this one.
if you haven't bought a vehicle consider your requirements. jeep is a good choice, cheap fits alot of places, lots of parts. just makes me feel claustrophobic.
good luck
after looking at your other thread, check out the motorcade in nickads.com and western slope craigslist or denver. and please respect the people that are trying to help you.