Animate > Motion Paths > Attach to Motion Path. (This makes the object move along the spline). Animate > Motion Paths > Flow Path Object. (This will create a lattice around the object to deform it to the shape of the path).
I'm not a max user but it seems that there is no perfect equivalent to path deform. I've tried the wire tool and its not what I'm looking for due. Here is what I think could be a good solution, but I'm not a rigger so if anyone would know how to do this please let me know: 1. Create a cylinder with some detail and enough…