There's an L.1049 crew operating manual here:
https://aviatechno.net/files/l1049c_...ing_manual.pdf Perhaps that contains some clues (I haven't checked yet...).
Edit: from page 117.
Pages 66 and 67:
From this, it would appear that the drag strut, which normally restricts forward and aft motion of the main gear leg, incorporates a hydraulic cylinder that permits some movement, damped by hydraulic fluid.