4a awd upgrade
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Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2013
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4a awd upgrade
What does it take to upgrade an XLT to have the 4a option (awd)? I didn't really pay that close of attention to that option when I bought it but it's one thing that I find I really miss from my Chevy.
has left the building
Joined: Jan 2020
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awd= all wheel drive
4a = automatic four wheel drive. The Ford system is computer controlled (as they all are) to monitor conditions and electronically engage the t-case when the computer calls for it.
There is a difference... just so you know and are not expecting to convert it to an All Wheel Drive vehicle.
I can't tell you the parts list but I've seen a few threads through the years with the change.
Probably just need to enable the system in the computer but of course you'll need the selection switch for the dash. Perhaps an updated harness to connected the switch to the new transfer case you'll need to source (not the same as a 4x4 t-case) and any other associated electrical.
Sounds like a person would need to be fairly mechanically included to source the items and install them.
Good luck.
4a = automatic four wheel drive. The Ford system is computer controlled (as they all are) to monitor conditions and electronically engage the t-case when the computer calls for it.
There is a difference... just so you know and are not expecting to convert it to an All Wheel Drive vehicle.
I can't tell you the parts list but I've seen a few threads through the years with the change.
Probably just need to enable the system in the computer but of course you'll need the selection switch for the dash. Perhaps an updated harness to connected the switch to the new transfer case you'll need to source (not the same as a 4x4 t-case) and any other associated electrical.
Sounds like a person would need to be fairly mechanically included to source the items and install them.
Good luck.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 139
Likes: 54
From: Chicago, IL
general thread from previous years
https://www.f150forum.com/f118/anyon...4a-xlt-366903/
current gen
https://www.f150forum.com/f129/laria...-cases-501782/
https://www.f150forum.com/f118/anyon...4a-xlt-366903/
current gen
https://www.f150forum.com/f129/laria...-cases-501782/
The swap is pretty simple and takes about 5hrs, if you pay MSRP the total parts cost will be about $1800, but if you shop around you can get everything for about $1500.
I installed a High-Lock TOD transfer case from a Raptor in my XLT and I needed a shorter rear driveshaft for mine. I haven't personally verified this, but my understanding is that you can keep your stock driveshaft if you only want the normal 4A TOD transfer case used on Lariats
The only parts needed for the swap are the TOD transfer case, the transfer case control module, a 4A drive mode switch, and a few bolts, the wiring is all there from the factory. There are a few changes that should be made in Forscan, and you should run a PMI (programmable module installation) with a Ford scan tool, but overall the swap is pretty simple. I haven't had a chance to run the PMI on my truck and enable the high-lock function on my transfer case; but even without running the PMI, the TOD 4A function works great right out of the box.
I installed a High-Lock TOD transfer case from a Raptor in my XLT and I needed a shorter rear driveshaft for mine. I haven't personally verified this, but my understanding is that you can keep your stock driveshaft if you only want the normal 4A TOD transfer case used on Lariats
The only parts needed for the swap are the TOD transfer case, the transfer case control module, a 4A drive mode switch, and a few bolts, the wiring is all there from the factory. There are a few changes that should be made in Forscan, and you should run a PMI (programmable module installation) with a Ford scan tool, but overall the swap is pretty simple. I haven't had a chance to run the PMI on my truck and enable the high-lock function on my transfer case; but even without running the PMI, the TOD 4A function works great right out of the box.
