The spring assists and holds but the overall action is controlled by the operator lever being pulled back and let go. The rod and tongue is pinned together and spring pushes against the bottom so should move freely with no binding. It should require no or at best, a very minimal assist from the driver to move the gearshift lever.
There are some rubber anti vibration bushings inside the tube that support the rod. It is possible one of those or the socket assy where the operator lever meets the rod is causing a bind.
There is an exploded view illustration of the entire shift tube assy on
plate 135 in the 48-54 parts book. Except for the shape of the levers the prewar assy is the same. You can also get a fairly decent view in the cutaway of the steering column a few posts above.
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