Ford van heavy steering

[sixto]

I had a Ford van off its front wheels. I expected the steering wheel to be feather light but it feels like the wheels are on the ground. On a Suburban I can steer the road wheels by hand (engine off) with steady pressure. This van is far more difficult to steer with particular heaviness through the straight ahead position. Tie rods are about 3 months old. The ball joints are clean and intact. No grease fittings. What comes to mind is to pop the tie rods to see if the drag is in the knuckles or upstream. It feels only slightly heavy with the engine running. I mean heavy like W123 steering is heavy even with power steering compared to a Cadillac. Thoughts?

Sixto
87 300D