New F350 SuperDuty - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

coolbrze · 01-16-2013, 09:55

I'm looking at purchasing a new F350 SuperDuty for work & personal use from our Ford Dealers Commercial Truck Center. Would like the diesel, but can't afford it right now so here's what I'm thinking:

2013 Oxford White F350 XL
6.2L gas standard cab, long bed
3.73 or 4.30 gears w/ rear electronic locker
FX4 4x4 package
10,000 GVWR package
Heavy service front springs package
Power equipment group
Roof clearance lights
Trailer brake controller
17" 5 spoke cast-Aluminum wheels
4x4 electronic shift on the fly
HD 40/20/40 vinly front seats

Several questions...

1. The vast majority come w/ 3.73 gears, but they offer a few w/ 4.30 gears. Most of the driving will be w/o pulling anything, but it will pull some weight occasionally. Should I opt for the 4.30 (there's no additional charge) or stick w/ the 3.73s? Any idea what gas mileage will be for either gear ratio?

2. What axles, trans, & t-case does this truck come with? Are they any good?

3. Finally... MSRP on this truck is ~ $37,180 what should I be able to get it for OTD? They're giving me the 'ole rebate run-around...

**CatSkinner** · 01-16-2013, 10:42

If you're going to be driving a lot, go with the 3.73's. Better gas mileage, but I can't quote figures. If the majority of what you're doing is working, go with the 4.30's for the low end torque.

The transmission is a 6R140, heard nothing bad about it on the newer ones,designed specifically for heavy duty trucks. Up until '05, they used a New Process NP271 or 273, even less data on the newer axles.

I take a different approach, I go into it knowing what I want for a payment and tell them to work it out from there. Either that, or I go into it with the total price (if I'm financing elsewhere) and tell them what I'm willing to pay. In today's environment, you probably got the upper hand, bid low.

**360ci** · 01-16-2013, 14:21

Just so you know the 6.2L has a reduced output on models with GVWR at 10K or higher. I know Gm knocks it from 360hp to 323hp on their 6.0L V8 gas engine for greater long term durability; torque remains the same.

If you get enough snow, it might warrant the locker. If you do a lot of tight turning and the climate doesn't get very cold, avoid the locker, as it can eat through tires, more so with a dual real wheel. I'd also avoid electronic shift on the fly. A replacement solenoid can fetch several hundred dollars and it can fail anytime, 40K, 50K 100K 200K. It's a guessing game. I'd stick with the shift-it-yourself 4wd.

If you don't plan on putting anything on the front, such as a snowplow, don't get the spring upgrade package - it will make the ride quite jarring when not carrying or pulling anything.

I'd stick with the 3.73 gears. The 6 speed has the flexibility where unless you need the maximum towing capabilities of the truck (5th wheel), the 4.30 gears isn't necessary. If you do a lot of empty highway miles, the 3.73 will be plenty adequate.

Even with the 3.73 gears, I wouldn't expect anything higher then 15-16mpg highway at 60mph.

Dealers hate sitting on vehicles. As CatSkinner mentioned, bid low. Buying new can have more perks if you know how to talk. When I bought my Taurus back in '99, I got the sales manager to include services at no charge for the duration of the warranty. The car was also a demo model which I haggled down in price considerably.

**CatSkinner** · 01-16-2013, 17:09

Oh, don't take your wife. I had a hell of a deal going on back in '83 when my wife pipes in "But I want THIS car." The salesman got a slight smile on his face and I knew I lost.

**360ci** · 01-16-2013, 19:52

No problem there for me, my wife (now ex) at the time when I purchased my vehicles didn't drive! It was a bonus too during the divorce - no license = no money from vehicles said the judge!