Shortening rebound springs as a means of removing any undesirable static pre-load will increase their rate! Added to which unless shims are used, you will likely end up with asymmetric rates as well as ride heights, although not sure what handling effects would ensue.
I understand latest factory kingpins are chromed but not hard chrome, please correct if I've got this wrong. FWIW after over 8000 miles absolutely no wear detected on mine.
