Hi David, I did remove the washer. Bit under the dust cap is also a thick rubber stop, probably 3/4" thick. It does not split. I tried compressing it with all my weight but couldnt engage the adjusting mechanism. I even tried to remove the stop by splitting it but it is very tough and I got worried that I might damage the rod if I kept trying with stanley knives etc. Thats where I thought there must be an easier way?
Cheers J
