Question regarding leaking forks on my 87 700

My left side dust seal on top of the fork is in bad shape to say the least. It wasn't leaking at first, tho now it is leaving fork oil puddles on my garage floor. I have a friend with some slight experience ready to help, but I need some quick tips from y'all with vfr experience.
My repair manual states the use of automatic transmission fluid to refill the forks, is this ok to do?
Also, will there be any other parts in the fork assembly that I should be ready to replace other than the dust seals themselves? I've noticed no other issues other than the corrupted dust seal and leaking.
I do plan on doing both forks while I have it apart just to keep them consistent with each other, but are there any issues I may run into or tips you have to keep this simple?
Thanks for your help guys, I'm trying to avoid my wife getting a phone call that my vfr came apart from underneath me while riding...

 

It's not hard to do. Before removing the individual forks, loosen the allen bolt on the bottom of each fork. Then remove the top caps and springs. ATF is what the factory used and was a little soft for handling. Most use 10w fork oil, ATF is about a 7w.

The biggest problem first timers have is getting the snap rings out of the top of the legs. You need a LARGE set of snap ring pliers. Slide the top cover rubber ring up and look down inside to see the snap ring and how big it is. Sometimes if you have a angled pair of small needle nose plies will work. Each tube inners are a little different. Don't get them mixed up. Other wise it's a pretty easy job.

 

Awesome, I appreciate the input.

So I can use a heavier oil to stiffen the front up without any issues? I do leave the anti-dive on maximum but the Roads are terrible where I live and ride, I'm thinking I may be better off with the softer fluid, especially since I already have a bunch of Atf fluid in the garage.

 

You might want to look into a new set of springs while you are in there, if you weigh over 150 you will want this and probably 10W fork fluid.

 

I am terribly lacking funds and employment currently so I suppose this is one of the few times that weighing 145 has come in handy lol

 

Just an FYI that it is not the dust seal that is leaking......you will need to disassemble the fork tube and replace the actual seal and check the bushing for wear, etc. Use Honda OEM seals! The dust seal does not do anything in regards to keeping the fork fluid from leaking

 

And the reasons for my questions within vfr world continue to amount to a vast wealth of knowledge.... I seriously sincerely appreciate the tips guys

 

Good luck! Shouldn't be too bad of a job

 

Quick update on the fork rebuild, I ended up using 10w fork oil instead of the Atf fluid and I'm very glad I did. Much stiffer and more consistent feeling, not nearly as squishy and wiggly as it was before. I opted not to change the springs because I only weigh 160ish in full gear. For sure was easier than I thought it would be, thanks again for the tips y'all