Manitou 4 conversion?

[mixalive]

Has anyone done any conversions on the Manitou 4 and lived to tell about it?

[Mark]

Converting to coil spring?

[mixalive]

I finished up the conversion today. Took foreeeeeeever to clean all the elastomers and goop out. I installed the Wings Dual linear springs and modified the travel. I am getting about 55mm of travel while keeping the fork boots. I can help out if anyone wants to know more details.

[neo_pop_71]

Hey Mix(alive)-

I think I forgot to mention the elastomer poo inside the fork legs, sorry about that! Did you go with the more expensive adjustable insert or just the Wing's springs? I opted for the heavy/heavy springs with no adjustment (I can still preload the fork) on my Manitou 2 because I wanted the Mani to be more like a rigid "locked out" fork. The problem is I sold my '91 Stumpjumper frame, so now I have no frame/bike with 1" threaded steer tube... one more parts into the bin!

Let me know what you think of the ride quality.

Happy trails,

-DON-

[mixalive]

I finally opted to lacquer thinner to clean out to goo on the inner tubing walls. That stuff is caustic and difficult to work with. But cuts the goo pretty quick. Yes, neo, I took your advice and installed the heavy springs. Something was telling me that a spring in one side and a dampener in the other might cause an upset. Anyway, all the elastomers were goo, which meant I had to come up with something to replace the rebound and a third stage elastomer. I am experimenting with 1/2" ID reinforced rubber heater hose. It seems to be working great at the moment but will tear into it in a month or so to see if it is surviving. Here is a photo. Notice I have tons more travel than stock.