2005 Dodge Dakota V6 2 whl. drive-hoses on rack were rusted to leaking-they broke off on removal. Replace both hoses, replaced fluid, turn whl lock to lock 6 or 7 times, top off fluid, start engine repeat lock to lock, stop engine top off fluid. After this steering started getting tight and pump started making noise. Now replaced pump and new fluid and repeat above procedure, no pump noise or leaks but steering is still tight.

 

Welcome. Moved to the 3rd Generation forum.

 

Is it always stiff or just in spots? Does it return to centre ok?

 

Sometimes air gets trapped in the system. You have to pull a vacuum on it for a while to get the air out.