You could try brushing some STP on the outside of the exposed strut.
It is amazing how a tiny amount of STP will reduce elastomeric seal
friction for many cycles, but it will probably have to be replaced
(rebrushed) every few weeks. From my experience in hydraulics, it
would cut friction easily in half for many cycles.



In the "old days" (WWII), they sold sealed envelopes with a pad soaked
in 5606 hydraulic oil especially for the purpose of keeping the strut
oiled up. After some time, it was determined that keeping the polished
struts oiled up and hanging in the breeze actually attracted more dirt
and bunged up the seals anyway. So, the practice was discontinued.
Go figure
Mike