i'm assuming you mean it takes more physical effort to move the steering wheel, right? did you have a new steering box installed as well? i ask b/c i had a new steering box once that was not torqued properly (internally) and caused sloppy/wandering steering...opposite of what you are describing, but still makes me wonder. maybe there is some break-in required on your new steering linkage, but i dont know for sure. i'll be installing a complete system myself this week - using the Currie upgrade on my '01. i'll let you know whether or not i feel a noticeable difference in the steering effort.
you could also check that your steering stabilizer is moving freely - never heard of one freezing up, but hey, anything can happen. other than that it sounds pump, box, or linkage related.