RE: GP Lancair ES Pictures
Randy, if you do that you'll defeat the purpose of having an "oleo" strut in the first place. I know we're using them in the first instance because they are stronger than the one supplied in the kit, but the real benefit comes from their shock-absorbing properties. To shorten the stroke or eliminate it completely will just give you a VERY strong nosegear with absolutely no give at all and the net result will be damage to the firewall - something much more difficult to repair.
Far better to have the nosegear off the airframe and dissassemble it to see where and why it is binding and not extending. I know that Robart for example will service their gear (for a $25.00 fee). If you can't find the cause and fix it yourself, perhaps it would be worth sending it in for repair. Either way, I wouldn't keep using it the way it is, and I wouldn't modify it the way you intend...
Cheers,
Greg