I have my eca.dat file but it hasnt been used for nearly 2 years, will i be ok to download a new wallet and activate it?
Yes

Install the new wallet version (v2.1.1) from website, run it once then close it when you are in the main wallet page.
Go to the Electra folder (%appdapa%\Electra for windows or Application support\Electra for mac), delete the new wallet.dat created and copy/paste your backup in the folder.
Be sure the file is well called wallet.dat once pasted.
Run the wallet and wait for the full sync in order to see your balance appearing.