1948 Front Tube Shocks..

[Mtn Wudy]

A quick question concerning the front shocks on my car...Should it take the same force to retract and extend them..I ask because mine are hard to extend but push back together with hardly any effort at all....My car has Monroes ,,paint good, no leaking of oil,, so don't think they are real old....Not being a cheap-skate but I didn't want to open up a brand new shock and it be the same,just new paint....Inquiring minds...Thanks ahead of time Guys..