ACE System Dilema

Figman

Well-known member
Sep 10, 2004
114
0
Westchester County, NY
Hi guys, it has been a while since I posted on the board. My D2 2001 has 112K miles and ACE; it used to have SLS but converted over to OME 2” Kit. I thought I was going to miss the SLS but the coil springs are equal or better. 12 years ago the ACE lines rusted right before the ACE block, my shop replaced the lines and fixed the problem. Here is the problem, just last week one of the lower lines going to the block was rusted, burst and made a mess. Once again my shop did a fantastic job with what they had, replaced (fabricated) the line and cleaned everything. I got home looked under and everything was dry, 24 hours later I see ACE fluid sipping from the block and the plastic bracket most likely from the line that was replaced. Last time it took four tried replacing O-rings to make a perfect seal. I don’t want to get rid of the ACE but parts are almost non-existent for this system, when I fix this I am sure something will go bad with the ACE an 18 year old truck. Have anyone converted to a regular sway bar system? Was it difficult, and what was involved? Do you miss the system and more importantly how is the driving behavior after the swap.

I hope someone can provide some insight information.

Thanks,

Figman
 
Hi,
Non ACE versions behave like a D1 on the highway (actually the rear suspension is better, more stable by other changes).
I own a D1 and a D2. D2 is ACE equipped version .
To enjoy them I must travel almost always more than 500km from home and both Discos are comfortable. But without bars I think it would be very dangerous to do it on routes. ACE is wonderful because it is what I always dreamed of as a D1 user: off road both bars "disappear". I would have a little more patience, but hey, here where I live a D2 is still a vehicle of some value and its conservation is valued.

Regards
 
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Figman

Well-known member
Sep 10, 2004
114
0
Westchester County, NY
Hi guys, once again I am phased with the same dilema, ACE or no ACE. Now the truck I had 117K miles, engine Rebuilt, Bajarack, ARB bumper, winch and with a ton of other accessories. everything has been running fine, lot of camping trip, adventures stuff, fishing trips, lots of fun. This past weekend on my way back home the rear hose/pipe connecting to the ACE actuator burst causing a mess, yellow ACE came on but never went to Red. now once again I am looking for replacement hose but no one sells it anymore and not sure how to go about it, never drove a regular truck so I don’t know the difference, always loved the stability provided by the system. But now I am torn between removing the system or keep looking for parts but can’t find any especially the lines or hoses, a regular metal line is easier to built or customized but never tried some type of rebuilt on a hose.. My truck is pretty tall and I am afraid by removing the system will make it very unstable, I know it is not a sport car but i love the system. Can anyone that converted to a non-ACE give me some opinion on how it will be without it? Love my rid, but i am not sure on how longer I can keep a system that is over 20 years and parts are difficult to get. I know there is a kit to convert the system using a new sway bar, bushings and a-links.

I appreciate your comments.

Thanks,

Figman
 

FatMcNasty

Well-known member
Mar 28, 2006
204
63
Southern Oregon
does this help at all?

 
Aug 20, 2007
2,727
45
Nashville TN
a good hydraulic shop could probably replicate any of those lines for you. you'll probably want to renew the whole system if you can. new seals everywhere, etc... I'll say that I never had any issues with my last non-ace DII. 3" lift in the rear with fox remote reservoir shocks valved stiff enough for the truck and I hit windy mountain roads no problem.
 

Figman

Well-known member
Sep 10, 2004
114
0
Westchester County, NY
This is a great design. I love the concept, can definitely consider for a future upgrade. unfortunately the leak is at the very end of the pipe that turn into a hose and connect to the rear actuator. (Shock absorben). Can’t find a replacement anywhere Thanks for the heads up
 

FatMcNasty

Well-known member
Mar 28, 2006
204
63
Southern Oregon
This is a great design. I love the concept, can definitely consider for a future upgrade. unfortunately the leak is at the very end of the pipe that turn into a hose and connect to the rear actuator. (Shock absorben). Can’t find a replacement anywhere Thanks for the heads up
Any Hydraulics shop can whip one up. Take the original in and have them replicate it.
 

rovercanus

Well-known member
Apr 24, 2004
9,643
244
I bet my truck is taller than yours (😗) and I don't run sway bars. If you have decent springs you won't miss them. You'll be running down the interstate at 80 no problem, but only if you have an LS swap according to the facebook sites.
 

Figman

Well-known member
Sep 10, 2004
114
0
Westchester County, NY
Good point about shops that rebuild hoses. That is one of my routes for now, also If they can fix the one hose I am going to review all other three hoses. Front and rear have two hoses each high and low pressure plus the metal pipes, most of the ones in the front were replaced already. I have a 2” OME lift and had the bajarack for about four years, the only new toy is a roof top tent which add about 130 Lbs, not sure if it is pure coincidence or the extra weight caused the issue, the truck feels like there is nothing there. Will keep you posted

Thanks guys,