I installed it without the pulley (at the time, Tone didn't offer the kit so there wasn't much option - I found the actuator for around $12 on eBay then bought a popper from someone on this board who was offering them for $25). I later had a pin switch added when the new alarm/auto start went in. I plan to add an Isuzu light to the pin switch as well so that the light in back will activate when the door is open (bought the light on eBay for $6 - it's from a late model Impulse - identical model to what is currently in the VX).

I've since helped to install 3 other poppers - two were Tone's kit with pulley and those were the easiest to install. The pulley allows you go position the actuator low in the compartment, then the pully can be used to tighten the cable and direct the pull to the proper direction for a smooth action. I installed mine when there were only a few around so there wasn't much to go by as far as directions go. I would say my original install was twice as hard, and a lot more difficult to get to work right. On the flip side, I did mine for the least amount of money (but then again, if Tone had his kit offering at the time, I definitely would have gotten it - I saw the advantages of the pulley and pin switch the first time he made his kit available - just running down the parts and paying for shipping could bring the total cost up to what he sells his for).

I've got a pic:



See how my actuator is mounted cable down - you then have to adjust tension at the latch - very difficult to do because of the tight space involved - making adjustments is a PITA. With the pulley, you can mount the unit low with the cable going up. Attach the cable to the latch, then slide the pulley until you have tension. You can hold the pulley up until the action works, put in one screw and use the other screw to adjust the pulley up or down if it needs adjusting. It'll cut this part of your install time in half.

The popper you will need with the kit linked at the start of the thread is heavy-duty and designed for big doors/trunks. The pin-shaped ones for shaved doors won't do the trick.


-- Best, John