i was thinking of going up the pass the first time ever in the snow in my 4x4 extra cab taco, i have bfg a/t that are siped, also have sand bags for the bed, do i need to buy chains???

 

How deep is the snow? Packed, 3ft powder? If you don't have cables and manual winch I woudl at minimum bring a shovel and maybe a sheet or two of plywood if you are going solo.

 

I go up Mt Hood all the time in my truck. With good tires, some weight in the back, and 4wd you should not have a problem at all. Just remember 4wd does not help when it comes to braking. Let the engine/tranny slow you down. Downshift when coming to a stop and coming down the pass and you should be fine. Driving slow and making it is better than driving fast and wrecking.
I always bring my comalong just in case though I have never needed it.

 

I carry a set of SCC Z-chains in my '85. In CA, you can be required to show that you have chains when conditions are bad enough, although I have only had to use them on the road one time (R3 conditions). I have also used them one time off-road. Handy to have, but I do find the BFG AT/KOs do pretty good in the snow:



Had to pull two trucks up a steep hill on the trail and with the sun (and temperature) falling, the packed snow was icing up pretty good. I had no trouble getting around myself, but the other two rigs (w/ MT tires) were not going anywhere.

 

Always a good idea to carry some chains.
It pays the check and see if there any restrictions for carrying chains, even if you don't intend to use them.
Here for example: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/pass...ns/#conditions
Today there are no restrictiions on Stevens pass, but many days chains are required to be carried, and some days chains are required to be installed. Nothing like getting on the other side of a chain restriction when you don't have any...