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From: Home Base Nebraska
Interesting thing happened today, we were riding out bikes through a Ford dealer (we are in Texas at this time) and came a cross a truck that I thought was black but it was Kodiak Brown like we ordered. The color that I thought was Kodiak Brown was a 2012 color Golden Bronze Metallic. Kodiak Brown is a new color for 2013 and it is dark but it will still be a nice looking truck just a little darker than I planned 
If you build one on the Ford site and pick Kodiak Brown it looks like Golden Bronze when they pain the truck.
Denny
If you build one on the Ford site and pick Kodiak Brown it looks like Golden Bronze when they pain the truck.Denny
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Joined: Nov 2012
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Thanks guys for the input. I have read many of the posts regarding the differences in the rear ends and it clearly appears the 4.3 is heavily favored on this forum. It does not appear this option will be a significant drop in mpg or cause whining on the hwys as 2 salesman from 2 different dealerships forewarned and reported to me. I do not get it, both salesman were really pushing the 3.73 and kind of bashing the 4.3. I live in FL, no hills to speak of. Maybe they believe the 4.3 is an overkill on flat terrain. Whose to say. I have a client who runs a garage and will inquire with him on Monday. I am now leaning towards the 4.3. The order will be placed on Wednesday. I am psyched. The Kodiak is a rich color, but I am going with the silver exterior/black interior combo. Thanks again. I will post pixs when she arrives.
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I have a 2012 F350 CC lariat with the 3.73. I like it and do get pretty impressive gas mileage if I want to. I think that's why the dealers push it. I tow a lot. I have a work trailer and a 36' travel trailer that weighs 9000lbs. It tows great, but I do have to lock out sixth gear. Then my fifth gear is geared pretty much identical to a 4.30 in sixth. It pulls great off the line and on regular roads when unloaded at 60 and under I've seen as high as 17mpg. Highway at 70 I get 14-15 and 13 around town. I live in Vermont and it's very hilly. I take trips every year pulling the TT to florida, texas, south carolina and so on. I pull through the mountains in Pennsylvania and the truck does unbelievably well. I average 8.5 to 9 towing at 70 on the highway. If I slow down I can do a little better. Overall, I'm very happy with the truck. The only regrets I have is with future concerns. We keep upgrading our camper every few years. If I had any future plans of say a large fifth wheel, I would definitely opt for the 4.3's, but if you don't, the 3.73's really give you the best of both worlds, towing and mpgs. I think you just need to keep what you may want to tow in mind.
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Thanks guys for all of the input.
Spoke to my client, a trained Ford mechanic who runs his own shop, about my dilemma, 3:73 or 4:30s. He HIGHLY recommended the 4:30 rear end. Just a better option for heavy towing and a different ride (hot rod like according to him) than the 3:73. Interestingly, he has changed out a significant amount of SD's in the past year from 3:73 rear ends to the 4:30 and only 2 from 4:30 to 3:73. Very expensive endeavor, either way. MPG will go down w/ the 4:30, but negligible. Placing order tomorrow at noon. She will have the 4:30 rear.
Spoke to my client, a trained Ford mechanic who runs his own shop, about my dilemma, 3:73 or 4:30s. He HIGHLY recommended the 4:30 rear end. Just a better option for heavy towing and a different ride (hot rod like according to him) than the 3:73. Interestingly, he has changed out a significant amount of SD's in the past year from 3:73 rear ends to the 4:30 and only 2 from 4:30 to 3:73. Very expensive endeavor, either way. MPG will go down w/ the 4:30, but negligible. Placing order tomorrow at noon. She will have the 4:30 rear.
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Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Gilbert
Quick word to the wise (and I'm sure others are tired of hearin' this from me), but get a copy of the DORA (your order details) from your dealer and compare it to the order guide. Make sure everything you want is present.
No sense in waiting all that time to find out the dealer ordered incorrectly.
No sense in waiting all that time to find out the dealer ordered incorrectly.
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Joined: May 2004
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From: Home Base Nebraska
Quick word to the wise (and I'm sure others are tired of hearin' this from me), but get a copy of the DORA (your order details) from your dealer and compare it to the order guide. Make sure everything you want is present.
No sense in waiting all that time to find out the dealer ordered incorrectly.
No sense in waiting all that time to find out the dealer ordered incorrectly.
Denny
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,326
Likes: 18
From: Gilbert
That's a great process to have in place. I get the feeling most dealers don't do that unfortunately.
I'll never buy another vehicle off the lot, ordering is the way to go if you have the time and patience (normally which I'm severely lacking on both fronts).
I'll never buy another vehicle off the lot, ordering is the way to go if you have the time and patience (normally which I'm severely lacking on both fronts).
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From: Home Base Nebraska
Denny
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,326
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From: Gilbert
We did it over the internet form start to finish with the only time I called and talked to anyone was when I called and placed the order and gave them a credit card number for the down payment. I contacted 4 dealers 3 came back with prices and one blew me off. The one that was closest to our homebase had the best price. Ford has a slick way of contacting dealers after you build your truck online and also a followup email to make sure the dealers made contact with you. I don't think I will ever buy a truck in person again, I already did the homework and knew what I wanted so I didn't have to listen anyone's BS. We where also 1600 miles from the dealership.
Denny
Denny
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