Another question for the good people in the LRF here. I had met up with another forum member this week, and got to see the 2" Terrafirma lift on his truck. I had been shopping around to just replace the shocks (they are dead), but it did get me thinking about just doing the entire kit with springs and all. The question I can't seem to find an answer for, is how would a lift affect the operation of the ACE system? My truck is a 2000 with the ACE but not with the SLS, just the regular suspension. I was having a hard enough time trying to figure out which shocks I could run, but now throwing a lift into the mix is a whole new set of unanswered questions regarding what I can/can't do with the ACE set up.
Also, not looking for a heavy duty set up. Just would like something that is great on the street and good off road (not vice versa).
Thanks!

 

I have a 2001 with ACE and SLS. I am running a OME Heavy Duty setup without any issues at all. It's about a 2-3 inch lift (I have spacers for the SLS), but the ACE system is just fine.

 

I'm right there with you, although I'm not currently shopping a lift for the DII. There seems to be little reliable info out there regarding the ACE system and necessary differences needed to comply with the system properly.

The only thing i've heard is that shocks for trucks with ACE are a tad longer or extend a tad further? Yet most shops that i've talked to say they just use regular shocks and can't see any differences or ill-effects from using "normal" shocks. But if you actually find any reliable and useful info, be sure to share it.

 

OK... good info so far. My issue is that I see many different listings for regular shocks... so 100% trying to see if there is something with a truck with *just* ACE. For example, you look at shocks and see these 4 options:
Regular trucks
W/ACE and w/o SLS
W/ACE and w/SLS
W/SLS and w/o ACE
And with the system, I was actually thinking the opposite would be true, that if anything the shocks could have less travel needed as the thing stays straight as a board in the turns.
*bangs head* This is the main reason I have been saying to myself to just get some cheap Monroe shocks for the buy 3 get one free deal and just slap them in.

 

Ace will give you a little over an 1" extra articulation over a non ACE truck with sway bars attached.
I have ACE with a 3" lift and have never had issues. Do though remember, that ACE should be flushed out at least every 15,000 to 20,000 miles, depending on your driving habits, or it will not function well.
You will want to add longer brake hoses and reroute the ABS wires to give you the travel you want.

 

Wow. I am way overdue.

So what is the procedure for flushing the ACE fluid? Turkey baster method like the PS?

 

Pretty much the same, you may need up to 5 quarts of a good P/S fluid and a 1/2 bottle of Lucas p/s stop leak

 

I've always been worried to touch the ACE fluid. The system works perfect and makes no noise. If it is as easy as suctioning some fluid out carefully to avoid dirt and replacing I will do it. As note Mike, the Lucas stop leak did not work in my PS. It was far too thick and really labored the pump and made it MUCH louder. I'm thinking avoiding this stuff might be best for the ACE, but using a fluid meant for older systems might be a good bet.
Also, if I am putting a 2" lift on the truck would I still need to mess with brake lines and such? If so... it might be a skip for me. I'm looking for a fairly simple job and install without messing with much.

 

Well damn if it isn't better. Thanks, Mike!

 

Also... say I went with the Terrafirma kit (non HD) would that give me a true 2" lift with the ACE? I'm still trying to figure out the brake line situation too, so if anyone knows for sure on that I would appreciate it. Otherwise, is there a decent kit that gives a bit less so I don't have to worry about swapping brakes lines, etc?