What exactly went wrong?

 There was to much oil in the the TST cart - thus making the forks feel really harsh and not use all the travel. Also, TF Tuned wont even serivce 55's, there that unreliable!

 Had too many problems with secondhand parts, now I have a job I think I owe it to myself to buy new. Probs going with 2008 55r's from a supplier in the USA (Jenson USA) at £160 delivered.

The 2010 Van R would be from TF Tuned, therefore getting it set up and tuned from new for £210- £10 more than the cheapest online dealer. Depending on the fundage situation after my holiday I might drop an extra £60 on it and just get a Push Factory Van R for £270 instead.

Nice simple stuff really, nothing poncy, rare or flashy. Sound like a plan?

 yeah sounds sweet

 reaalllyyy dont want 55's like really dont, get some pikes, they feel nicer, smoother, lighter and all round better

 why? Explain please.

 basically all 55s suck. such reliability problems tf tuned refuse to service them! they all get hydrolocked, where the air spring and oil damping get mixed or something and they get stuc with 20-40mm of travel and marocchi wont service them under warranty. not worth the hassle at all. thats why they're so cheap second hande, people try and get rid of them asap. the only one id even contemplate is the rc3

 you could get a phat fork like the 66 and i could lower it for you?

 Oh balls, I meant to put domains.

 I would say try and get the Domain 318 if you can. They have the motion control damper as opposed to the turn key damper you get in the 302 and it's a lot better. But still, I'm sure the Domain 302 is miles better then the 55's you were going to get lol.

 The only problem is the travel is miles too long really- I ideally wanted 140-150 by the domain 302 comes in at 165mm, slightly better for my purposes than a 312 which is 160-180. Any ideas on other freeride forks with around that sort of travel?

 Fox 36 Talas? adjustable travel upto 160mm bit pricey though if you dont go second hand
also Pikes could be an option

 Trying not to go second hand as I've had problems with leaks, stantion rub & other nasties. I'd rather have new if I'm spending used car money on bike bits!

 pikes (Y)