Congrats to the frame!

It was built october 1997, so it is model year 1998.
1998 was a year where there were differences between the LE and the non-LE. The LE e.g. has really fancy dropouts and other parts that were CNC'ed. Look at this 98 LE frame:
http://www.mtb-news.de/forum/showthread.php?t=638937Still, the Non-LE is a very nice frame and similar to the earlier model years. I personally prefer the LE behause these dropouts are just sooooo awesome.

Check EBay US, seller Felnzo, for original Decals for the 98 model year. He should have them. Edit: he does, item no. 121191713582 Nice price.
Regarding Fork: take a Rockshox Judy SL or a SID (introduced in 98, so time correct) and your geometry should be good again.
Bevor applying the new Decals give the frame a nice polish with e.g. Autosol.
Here you can find the 98 catalogue, p31, and Check the original build.
http://www.mtb-kataloge.de/html/gt.htmlOr go here:
http://www.bikepedia.com/quickbike/Bike ... leOszIaySMHave fun!