Having suspension problem with my dd after brake pad change.

It's not a Maverick, or a Ford, or even rear wheel drive, but guys on forums often know tricks for other vehicles and this is the right space in the forum for non Maverick stuff, so I wanted to throw this out there and see if anyone had any suggestions.

I have run into a problem that is new to me. I just replaced the rear brake pads on my 2000 Chrysler 300M. When I was done and let the car down off the jack, the rear suspension would not compress. It does not have an air suspension. It is now riding like it has air shocks that are inflated all the way. I have checked a bunch of places on the web and have found no information on a similar situation. I filled up the gas tank all the way for added weight and tried jumping on the rear bumper with no effect. Any Ideas? This is what my suspension looks like:

 

I would remove the strut and see if the rest of it moves freely. Inspect the strut while you have it out, I have only seen this once, but I had a lexus do something similar. It had worn large groove in the shock piston rod causing it to bottom out half way down.

 

Iv seen several newer gm vehicles lock the struts fully extended after coming down off the lift. They rise really rough. Sometimes driving on a rough surface will release them but they really shold be replaced.