I have an 04 dodge quad cab with the 4.7 engine about 85k miles

When I start up truck in morning the steering is very hard and sticky. When it warms up about 15-20 minutes it seems fine.

I changed fluid about 2 years ago with the power steering pump. Changed not for this reason I cracked the pulley changing out the clutch fan was hard to get the nut loose and wrench slipped and chipped the pulley.

So now Im thinking its the rack and pinion that is doing this.

I would rather put money first to replace the rack and pinion to see if it is the problem.

If not its gotta be the pump and I can change that my self.
The R&P i would have someone do.

Any suggestions on what it could be for the steering to be stiff and sticky in the first start of the morning. Here in Boston and its 90+% here.

What would you replace first.

thanks for any help