Hi Everyone,

I've seen a post on here about the rebuilt and converted ACE valve blocks sold by Design Development Engineering in the UK. But I hadn't received a response from the author in a few weeks, and the post was pretty old. So I wanted to reach out for experience and knowledge. Has anyone replaced with these or know someone who has? Any thoughts on the cost/benefit? They're pretty salty. But I'm trying to make my truck as reliable as possible while still retaining the ACE. Air suspension had been removed before I bought it. I don't have the time, equipment or likely the knowledge to convert it to hydraulics. And I've developed a pretty solid leak on the front side. As you know, the fluid isn't cheap. Here's a link: https://www.designdevelopmenteng.co....ded-p389433934
Thanks for any info you can provide. I appreciate it.

 

I have no firsthand experience with their ACE valve bodies however I’ve interacted w this company several times and purchased a Range Rover classic tailgate lock repair kit from them. And D2 sunroof plastic drain tube pieces they make. The RRC part I ordered is brilliant, they included some other bits I needed (extra spring) and communication / packaging was great. I’d go for it.

I also have an ACE D2. They are the best. Don’t delete ACE. When people say it’s not worth the trouble… I say I have you driven one? It radically changes the D2 offroad for the better when paired w SLS.

 

I have installed the ACE block from Design Development and it is outstanding! My original ACE block was leaking at the line fittings, as the aluminum was severely pitted and new seals would not help. I contacted the company, ordered the part and installed it. Before I removed the old one, I compared the two and marked with different color electrical tape the different steel lines on both ends of the old block and then used the same color to mark the new flexible lines that are on the rebuilt block. After disconnecting and removing the old block I used a very small tubing cutter and cut one line at a time and then connected the new line with the compression fittings provided. There was some fluid spillage, but not a lot and no big deal. Everything installed great and I have no more leakage or ACE problems. I did not bleed the system as I did not lose much fluid. Bryan Bush from Design Development Engineering was most helpful with any questions I had. As I now have developed a leak in the high pressure line from the pump to the ACE block, (my D2 has 281K), he even sent me new compression fittings at no charge from the UK as I will have to install the new line I was able to find from Lucky 8.

Before the install, my ACE block was leaking, and I would have intermittent failures that would trigger either the amber ACE light, or the flashing red ACE light combined with a warning chime. All gone now!

Yes the rebuilt block is not cheap, but not only does it solve the problem of the steel and aluminum oxidizing where the original lines connect, but you also get new valves, a new filter and all new electronics. My ACE works great! The part and the people are great!!

I've since deleted the pictures of the install, but I did post it a while back. I'll search and see if I can find it and add it to this post.

The cost of the unit is well worth it.

 

Thank you for the info! For the time and effort I'll save, it seems worth it. And it looks to be a permanent fix for any future leaks at that point. I also love my ACE! No intention of removing it. And I'm basing that on road performance. I've not had the chance to get this one into the woods. My other DII does not have ACE so I'll likely appreciate the difference there as well. I'll be down to one truck once I can get the parts switched from my old one.