Stiff Steering

[overb0ost]

Alright well this might be a little long so just warning you ahead of time. I drive a 1995 240sx LE 5spd. Well a month ago i got into a minor accident, understeered into a curb becuase i hit some ice. So i had to replace the lower control arm, crossmember, and tie rods. After replacing these parts i got an alignment and noticed the steering got A LOT more stiffer than usual and the wheel wouldnt return fully after completing a turn unless i manually turned it back. So after reading a lot of tech on various forums such as son240 and zilvia i thought it might be the steering rack. I replaced the steering rack with a used one and the wheel now returns normally, however, the steering is still stiffer than stock but not as stiff as before with the old steering rack. It feels as if the power steering is working against me. Like if i make a left or right turn it is really obvious that you can feel the wheel wanting to return to the original striaght position and it takes effort to hold the wheel tight so it doesnt go back to the center. Now here are my questions. The mechanic put PS fluid into the ps system and i know you HAVE to have ATF Dexron 3 because ps fluid will screw up the pump because its thicker. So now im wondering if its the fluid that is causing the stiff steering or is it something else? These are the things ive noticed from other ppl with similar problems

-ps belt -steering rack bushing -power steering pump -power steering pressure lines -tc rod bushing? they are both tearing a bit

now i'm also wondering how it could be these problems when i never had a power steering problem before? even when driving the car right after the hit the steering was still nice and loose. could it be possible that my power steering got damaged when i put my new crossmember in. any insight would be greatly appreciated. thanks
Modified by overb0ost at 7:50 PM 1/8/2006

[overb0ost]

anyone?