Low on steering pump fluid or a lose belt
Usually this is due to a bad rack and pinion. Expensive parts....
The steering wheel in your 1996 may be hard to turn because you are low on power steering fluid. You can add some on your own and your steering wheel will not be hard to turn.
Bad steering rack? Bad steering gear? Pitman arm?
Notchy feel when turning the steering wheel Noise from the pump area when wheels are turned Possible stiffness when turning steering wheel.
Turning to the right, when going forward, you turn the steering wheel towards the right.
power steering fluid not filled?
try rocking/turning the wheel while turning the key.
Try turning the steering wheel back and forth. The SC has this issue and it isn't necessarily related to the car being lifted. In fact, some cars in general do this, and I suppose it's related to the steering mechanism and the automatic steering wheel lock.
The Steering Column locks the wheel in place and when the steering wheel is locked you cannot turn the key... try turning the key with gentle force while turning the steering wheel back and forth.
A whining noise present when turning the steering wheel indicates a faulty power steering pump. As the pump fails, it allows air to enter the system and a distinct whine.
Low steering fluid can cause a steering wheel to whine when turning. A worn steering belt can also cause a steering wheel to whine when a car is being turned.
Steering Wheel Air bag!