Originally Posted by
reptilezs
have you tried taking the suspension post apart? from what i remember. unthread the collar and the whole top part comes out. then the spring can be pulled. bottom plug is a threaded preload plug and can be dropped in the frame. takes a 6mm i think(use your socket bits and some long extensions). had a few fall apart in the stand while working so i believe the top part does come out.
I removed the remains of the top/inner piston part and the internal spring but have to admit I never looked down the hole.
Will check that out. If it is as you suspect that may offer some other possibilities.