i have a 2nd hand dekerf generation hardtail that i just LOVE (what a rocket ship)...use it most for commuting right now...has older original judy rockshox 100 that came with her and i can hear them 'creaking' sometimes...would like to keep it as a ht...any one make some suggestions for a good replacement shock fork that is non disc...as the judy fork has attachments for my sidepull brakes (xt) which bike still uses (hey it is a '96 afterall)...some have suggested just putting on a regular stiff front fork (any suggestions there, too, ie, dekerf's forks are $300ish and up)...

i don't plan on getting rid of my baby

i have a rivendell atlantis, dekerf hardtail and next am seeking either a bf pocket rocket (or crusoe in a 53") or moulton or gunnar sport in a 52"

If you're commuting, go rigid. There are several on the market. Surly's would be fine, or Kona's Project 2. Of course DeKerf's own tuning fork would be ideal, but I think you'll find they're a bit more than $300. Hell, if you could find one for that you'd be a fool not to grab it.

If you want to keep a suspension fork, perhaps you can just rebuild your Judys. The process is straightforward enough, but parts might be an issue.

there are numerous suspension forks on the market, and most of them are available with mounts for cantilever and/or v-brakes (no, the brakes on your mtb are not "sidepulls"). It won't hurt you if the fork also has disc mounts, as long as it has mounts for cantilever and/or v-brakes.
I'm no mtb expert (my only off-road bike is a singlespeed with a suspension stem) but there should be tons of forks that fit what you're looking for.

And if you're just commuting, get a rigid fork. No need to spend $300 though, just get something that matches the geometry so doesn't throw off your handling.

yeah it's the parts issue, in terms of replacing, given it's almost 15 yrs old