Can anyone confirm if the only difference in the early and late style forks is the internals?
Are the fork bottoms the same. reason being I have some early forks sitting in the garage, if they are the same size, have the fork bottoms powdercoated and them swap them with my late model fork bottoms that are currently on the bike. Obviously can only do this if they are the same size.

And whilst talking forks, would a new set of springs make a big difference, still running the original 18 yr old ones at the min.

They are the same lowers.

Std springs are shit - they are progressive and way soft.

Std valving is also a little lacking.

what are the options on the springs then, any recommendations folks?

rick oliver :)

same mate, just the stanchions differ