Mountain Biking - Stance Kingpin

I just got a killer deal on a twice-ridden '05 Big Hit. It still has the stock Manitou Stance Kingpin fork, and from what I hear from alot of people, the fork seals blow out REALLY REALLY easily, and pretty much blow. It was still a good deal.

Heres my question - has anyone had experience with this fork, and if so, what are the chances that Answer would be willing to trade me or make a deal for a newer/better fork? Should I let my LBS handle it?

Thanks. Peace.

I don't think Manipoo has any sort of trade in program. Even if that did you would still be stuck with another sh*ty manipoo fork.

I highly suggest upgrading that fork! Check out the Marzocchi 66 or 888 line.

Being on a budget at the moment... how about a Marzocchi Junior T? Will this swap out without changing the stance or possibly damaging the headtube?

Thanks.

junior t are very good in my opinion, they are a lot lighter than the 888 due to thinner stanctions therefore not quite as strong but strong enough. they are also easy to work on and very plush, and easy to pick up a bargain. should swap over ok i think however a lot of manitou forks in the uk are 1.5 inch tube instead of 1 1/8 dont know if that is the case in the states.

Dual-crown forks are all 1 1/8" steer tube (unless there's one I don't know about) - - 1.5 is not necessary with an upper crown.

Jr. T would be a fine replacement. Really, the world is your oyster with a BigHit; you can put on any DC fork without fear of damage. It's only a matter of how much you want to spend. As far as geometry, just don't get anything with a shorter axle-to-crown height than your existing fork. Longer will be OK - - it will slacken your angle favorably.

You guys rock. Thanks.

Well my bike is in the mail as we speak... and I was wondering about whether anyone knows where I can find the axle to crown length of the '05 Kingpin?

Anyone have one they'd like to measure for me? Thanks.

My Google search turns up that it is in the 540-550 mm range. Compare this to 06 Jr. T which has an A to C of 558mm.