Fork seals: Do I need the dust (top) seals if I'm using gaiters?

[NonFiction]

I'm changing my bad fork oil seals this weekend (or I hope to, in any event), and I'd like to know if anyone has opinions on whether the dust seal is crucial to run, or if using a good set of gaiters/boots will do the same job.

Thoughts?

[burning1]

If they are properly sealed, I strongly suspect they will work as well as the dust boots. I've seen a few racers that don't use dust seals at all; the mod should slightly reduce stiction.

[NonFiction]

Just what I was hoping to hear. Thanks!

[burning1]

Worst case is going to be premature failure of the fork seals... Not the end of the world, as the forks really should be serviced every year or so. You could always lift the boots up to inspect if anything is getting in there as well.

[the mole]

I agree with burning1, but be aware that fork boots are not totally sealed, they have a hole somewhere to prevent a build up of air pressure when the forks are compressed.
Boots also stop stone chips in the chrome, which lead to rust.

If anyone has found some suitably sized boots I'd be interested.

[RichDesmond]

I would leave the dust seals on. Water will still get in even with the boots and it's best if it doesn't pool on top of the fork seals.