Cannot find any 2011's F-150's set up the way I want. Looking to get an ebony black Platinum 4X4 Ecoboost. Having trouble deciding between a 3.31 and 3.55 gear ratio. I have a multitude of diesels around the farm that do all the pulling so the new ride will likely never get hitched to a trailer. Wife will likely put on most of the miles and she wants the navigation setup. Dealer says due to supplier issues navigation will not be available in stock orders but custom orders should be able to get them. I see some negative discussion on the navigation here. Is there anyone who likes their factory navigation? I need to expense the vehicle this year and do not want to wait till good rebates on 2012. Any other ideas anyone wants to throw out there? Thanks

 

Sounds like you have a pretty good handle on what you want.
EB with 3.31 would be a good cruiser. TSeekins recently picked up a XLT EB with 3.31s and he's very happy with it. Here's Tim's thread:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...id-it-omg.html

Since you won't be towing, that's a good axle choice for sure. As for the Navi...if the wife wants it, and she's cool with that extra $2k+ to get it in the truck, then I say go for it. The feedback I've heard on the Navi is that you cannot alter your destination, or input one for that matter, while you're moving. This means that your passenger cannot do it either. Sync has some flaws, but most of the feedback there is positive, but like any "computer" it has its glitches.

Just my $.02 from what I've caught on here. The other guys will be around shortly, and I'm sure they'll have more first hand experience for ya.

 

There's not going to much of a MPG gain going with the 3:31's, 3:55's over the 3:73's but there is a huge difference in how this truck takes off with the 3:73's.

I'd get the 3:73's for sure. Drive one of each, you'll quickly see the difference.

 

DON'T DO IT.

You don't want the Ebony Platinum. Especially with the NAV.

Go with, uh, an XLT. Lot's of them on the lot. And your bank account will thank you.

Now, on a side note, can you tell me where you found said Ebony Platinum with NAV? I need dealer name, address, phone number...

 

Now THAT'S funny....

 

Sorry sir, I have to call you on that one.

I was one of the lucky few that got a Ford Ecoboost test drive delivered to my house. The truck was a King Ranch with 3.73's and all the goodies that the OP wants.

The 3.73's will enhance your towing experience for sure. The 3.31's will enhance your MPG's for sure and still tow 8400 lbs.

As for over all performance between the two gear ratios, I'm not feeling a huge difference. The Ecoboost is for sure a beast to behold.

Get your bride what she wants, no doubt she deserves it.

 

Love my truck. Love the navi, glad I got it. You can do anything you want when moving as long as you use the voice commands, which once you're used to them are great.

The latest sync update fixed EVERY problem I had with the system (iPhone hiccups etc). I tell you man, these platinums are cooler than the other side of the pillow, and the 6.2 with the 3.73 rear is a beast. I get 17 mpg at 76 mph with the cruise set.

Happy as a pig in slop. I'd offer more praise, but suppers ready HA!

 

I'm not so sure you'll see any improvements with the 3:31 over the 3:73 and even if there is any there is no way I'd give up the 3:73's for it.

There is no proof the 3:31's get better mileage anyways. Knowing the 21 MPG Highway rating was generated in a test with an average speed of 48 mph most likely with a regular cab 4x2 with the 3:15-1 gearing who's to say what kind of game Ford is playing.

All I can say is drive trucks with the three different rear end gears and you'll see the difference.

 

Well, if you are going to order one the order banks for the 2011 close today. Otherwise, you will be ordering a 2012 on 8/15.

Good luck with your purchase, sounds like a nice setup you are looking at.

 

There is no proof needed, a truck with a 3.31 axle will get better highway MPG empty than a truck with 3.73 gears. How much better, well that is debatable.

You kind of argued against yourself saying Ford provided a regular cab 4x2 with 3.15 for the EPA rating. If the 3.73 would do better, wouldn't they have used that instead?

 

All the EB's the last time I was on the lot read 15-21 regardless of bed size, cab size or rear gear ratio. I guess that means there is no difference between the 3:15, 3:31, 3:55 or 3:73 right?

If Ford says it's true, it must be true right. I'm just saying the 3:73 is so much more impressive than the other ratios that I wouldn't go for anything else for any small increase in MPG's if any.

 

I agree that I'd rather have 3.73 for performance purposes. If you get the 3.37 with EB, does that require Max Tow?

 

The differences were more noticeable before the intro of the 6 speed tranny. If you look at the 3.7L trucks, they all seem to be mated to 3.73's. The EB's use all five rear ratios available. That simply implies that the engine has the guts to pull the truck and varying loads with any gearset.

The OP clearly stated that his new Plat would NOT be his work truck as he has diesel trucks on the farm to do that type of work.

I have 1500 miles on mine now, EB 4x4 with 3.31's. I'm averaging 19.6 in mixed driving and 23 hwy right now and this engine is far from broken in. 3-4 miles per gallon may not seem like much if you're only looking at today. Over time it adds up quickly.

Look at the new diesel superduties. Most of them have the 3.31 or 3.55 axles and are rated to pull massive loads.

 

Are you saying the 3:31 will get 3-4 MPG better than the 3:73? I hope that's not what you think.

 

You win, I'm done with this.

You don't own one and all you do is argue Ford into the ground and yet you're still here.

I'm not going to entertain you any further.