http://sportbikewrench.com/howtovideos.aspx

Check out the how to set sag video halfway down. Im not sure if itll help answer any of your questions but its a pretty useful video for setting your suspension even though it is a gixxer.

 

I used a pipe wrench to adjust my 96 900 didn't mess anything up and worked for me if im understanding what your doing

 

There's gotta be a shop in Shreveport that has a preload adjuster wrench - it's a common tool, esp w/ the Motocross crowd, cause they are always tweaking supensions for tracks. if you've only called the local sportbike shops - they might be clueless. Try a place that sells a lot of MX stuff and you'll find what you're after.

You can find a similar wrench at some auto parts stores, tuner or offroad vehicle shops for adjusting preload on suspension.

If you're heading toward Monroe any time soon, stop off @ DJ's cycle in West Monroe - they have the Motion pro wrench in stock - I bought mine there.