I just got a new fork for my 2003 NRS (Manitou Black Elite). I want to put it on myself and wonder what I need to be ready for/consider. Is there anything I will need a special tool for? I assume I can just cut the steerer tube the exact same length as the one I am taking off. What type of grease/lube do I use? Thanks for the help.

Check out Park Tool's site for good info on DIY installs.
http://www.parktool.com/repair_help/FAQindex.shtml
http://www.parktool.com/repair_help/howfix_forksize.shtml

I just got a new fork for my 2003 NRS (Manitou Black Elite). I want to put it on myself and wonder what I need to be ready for/consider. Is there anything I will need a special tool for? I assume I can just cut the steerer tube the exact same length as the one I am taking off. What type of grease/lube do I use? Thanks for the help.

Unless your an experienced mechanic, you may want to consider having a professional do this for you. But if you really want to give it a try...

You will need to remove your headset's crown race from your old fork by carefully prying it off with a screw driver. Then press the lower race on to the new fork using a crown race setting tool. If you don't have this tool, there are ways to get around this such as using a piece of wood and a hammer, or using an improvised setting tool like a pipe that will fit over the steerer...I don't recommend this.

You can cut the steerer to the same length as your old fork, provided that the old setup was proper for you and the new fork's travel is the same as the old. If the travel is different, your head angle will change. To get the right fit, install the uncut fork, headset, headset spacer(s), and stem w/ handlebar (you don't need to completely tighten the stem onto the steerer). Now get on the bike (you will need an assistant to hold the bike straight) and see how it fits. Make sure your saddle height is correct, then add or remove spacers below the stem until you get the fit you like.

When your fit is right, leaving the fork installed, mark the steerer tube 2.5mm above the top of the stem (this will allow you to put a 5mm spacer on top of the stem...this will give you some additional flexibilty with your set up by allowing you to play with the spacers). If you don't want the 5mm spacer above stem, mark steerer at the top of the stem, take the stem off and measure your cutting mark 2.5mm below the top of the stem.

Now take the fork out and you're ready to cut the steerer with a hack saw. I strongly recommend that you use a saw guide and a vise. Clean off any burrs and smooth out the cut with some emory paper.

Install a new star nut into the steerer using a star nut setting tool. If you don't have this tool, you can screw the headset top cap bolt partially into the star nut and then hammer the star nut into the steerer tube about 15 to 20mm below the top of the steerer...however, I don't recommend doing this.

That's it, now put everything back together. Regarding your question about grease, you don't need to put any grease on your steerer. You should however inspect/clean your headset while it's apart...apply grease to the bearings as necessary. You will likely get some grease on the steerer tube when you install it, so make sure there is no grease where the stem clamps to the steerer. Again, if you don't have the proper tools and don't plan on buying them, it's best to have a professional mechanic do this for you. I hope this helps.

Don't think I am going to try this one... Thanks for the input.