We are getting close to the end of our long overhaul of my 1982 172RG here in South Korea.  (Plane sat for 8 years in a hangar.)  My part time A&P's have serviced the nose gear strut several times, because they had to resolve several issues.  It appears to be okay now, but we are all wondering how much 'play' should be in the strut as you try to move it up and down by pushing up and down on the front end.  It seems real firm to me, i.e. it only gives about 1/2 inch or so....and the hydraulic fluid is at the correct level and the hydrogen psi is set per the service manaul.  Could this because we have new rings, etc.?  I was alarmed because I am used to seeing our 172's all bounce up and down 2-4 inches during pre-flight.  Comments?