I bought the springs after continuous bottoming (maybe I should get a 2-stoke ;) )! They were a bit shorter, hence the PVC and wahsers. When I first put them in they were fine, minus a faint clicking noise I determinted to be near where the PVC/washer meets the spring. I figured the PVC was probably tilting slightly [it didn't seem totally stable when I slid the PVC over the rod, but assumed it would line up once I put the fork together] as the compression increased and it was slapping on the cartrige wall to cause that. The springs are progressive and I'm really not sure if they are tapered, but that definately made me think. I'm going to check that out tonight, maybe I'll use some ATF this time. Fork fluid @ 9.00/quart adds up quick....Thanks....