Usually this is due to a bad rack and pinion. Expensive parts....
Low on steering pump fluid or a lose belt
Turning to the right, when going forward, you turn the steering wheel towards the right.
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.
By turning the steering wheel in an anti clockwise direction.
Bad steering rack? Bad steering gear? Pitman arm?
With your foot on the brake , try turning the steering wheel left and right. I know the steering wheel is locked but sometimes this will keep the key from turning. Just pull hard on the wheel hard left and right.
That would be the inside diameter of the circle created by turning the steering wheel completely left or right.
It probably needs steering fluid.
most likely bad balljoints
try releasing the tension on the steering wheel by turning the steering wheel left or right as you turn the ignition key
The drive shaft may need to be tightened
Low power steering fluid or you need a lube job.