My mirrors are So's the rear window. I got 12.8 mpg on my first 970 miles calculated by hand averaging about 95% Highway at 75 MPH.

 

Don't get an ST!!!

The center seat compartment and the arm rest compartment are the best things and I miss them the most. Along with my 6spd... and cruise control, and lumbar and power heated mirrors... and power seats and... you get the idea.

You know what I could never figure out.

My SLT had "MAX A/C" and my ST doesn't. I wonder if there is really any difference.

But really those compartments are awesome. Go for the 3.73 with the power everything man. You will not regret it.

 

If you're referring to the power/foldout mirrors - yes they are.

I wouldn't know about oil consumption yet. Other than "fuel oil", mine hasn't consumed any engine lube oil. Don't forget, spinning faster doesn't necessarily translate to working harder.

Dunno about the Silver paint issues; but I'm sure it hides the dirt much better than Red.

 

if it is an SLT with power mirrors.. yes they are heated.

 

He's already said they're both SLT's. But I certainly agree, don't get an ST - unless you need to hose out the interior with a high pressure hose.

 

IMO...given your situation, which is not unlike mine, I would lean toward the 3.73s. On the other hand, if I was planning on running 315/70/17 tires, I would opt for the 4.10s. Running 35s & 4.10s spin about the same as 31s and 3.73s. 4.10s may also hold resale value a little better, as the majority of people looking for these trucks tend to tow heavier loads. I'm going to run 33s and get an Edge EZ box to make up for lost grunt of the 4.10s.

Going by the color is a tough call, I like both, but always prefer metallic paint over flat paint. I also prefer the taupe interior by a wide margin over BLACK. I would also choose an SLT with the premium seats, no question.

As far as speakers go, I installed some Polk Audio db690s (6x9) in the front doors and db650s (6.5") in the rear doors. They have built in crossovers so the detail, accuracy, and separation is great! I paid < $150.00 for both pair (brand new) w/shipping on ebay. They were an "e-z" install (no cutting or drilling). Beware, there are a lot of 6x9s that will not fit. Try crutchfield.com's "what fits my vehical." It's deadly accurate...trust me! I'm glad I did not spend $750 on the Infinity system. My 4 Polks sound WAY better than my in-laws '04 w/infinity. The Infinity systems sure sounded a lot better in the previous generation. Anyway, I'm adding an MTX 4 channel 400 watt amp in the next couple weeks. I understand the Polks sound even better with some power!!!

 

If you're not in a hurry, place an order for EXACTLY what you want. If you're really not in a hurry, spend a couple weeks doing some searches on this forum to learn about all the different options before placing your order. This place is great!

 

Hanymantim is right on the money, I've owned 39 vehicals in my life and was never REALLY happy till I finally ordered my first EXACTLY the way I liked. To be honest I've owned trucks with about every rear gear you can think of, and have ALWAYS felt that they were geared to high until I got the 4.10's. Now I have to admit I love the way this truck drives, but do catch myself "reaching for 7th gear" once in a while. Had to laugh when I read that post!
In my opinion: If you keep it under 70 mph you'll never regret the 4.10's

 

I found one with a 3.73 and nicer equiped. I rarely drive under 80mph, so the 3.73 is what I need.

I'm also doing some research and looking into upgrading the shocks with Bilsteins, and a rear stabilizer. I take delivery next Saturday.

 

I have owned both and i have converted from 4.10's to 3.73's on an 03 before and i will never own another cummins powered truck with low gears(4.10's ) again.

3.73's with 285/75R17's (34's) in CA where the towing speed limit is 55 and most highways are 65 that ratio and size are perfect. I tow a 14k lbs GN over 6% and steeper grades and i have zero complaints. i have even ran 315's for years with 3.73's and i loved it. my 4.10s i was always looking for another gear much past 65-70 mph. 4.10's even with 35's were great if i planned on spending the rest of my towing life using OD on everything over 45-50 mph but on long grades i preffer to use direct to keep tranny temps down and to use direct from 50 mph - 65 mph is key in my book and 3.73's with the 285/75r17's is spot on for that.

When i go to nevada or montana where the speed limits are 75mph 3.73's all the way and when empty the truck picked up a solid 2+ documented mpg going from the 4.10's to the 3.73's. I like it when i am empty i go down the highway at 1650-1700 rpm and the mileage is great. before at the same speed i was in OD pulling 1900-1950rpm adn getting 2-3 mpg less

 

There are a couple of threads on here that bandy about the merits of the 3.42 gears. I am curious how you would respond to the original poster if he was considering a swap to this set. My own truck gets about 15 mpg at 75 empty on the highway and 18 doing "urban" driving. The only real towing I do is my boat that tips the scale at about 3900#'s with trailer. The only real test to the truck is pulling up out of the Ohio Valley on I75 with said boat. The general consensus is "anything taller than 3.73 won't pull a beer tab." But then, the respondents are also pulling small strip malls behind them up Pike's Peak.