I have a 96 1500 4x2 with 238K miles, 5.2/5 spd. Lately I've noticed the steering wheel turns harder. I only notice around town and pulling in and out of the garage. I checked the PS pump and it has fluid, it wasn't making any noise but I checked anyway. I'm thinking my pump is just worn out and not pumping right. Any thoughts?

Tighten up the belt? Check tire pressure.

Is it stiff all the time or only at certain points? Ive done a few steering column couplers because of the ujoints seizing up and it gives you a stiff steering feel.

My '05 Dakota has started doing the same thing. No catches or really hard spots, just a noticeable resistance to turning the wheel that wasn't there before. Fluid is fine, resistance doesn't change with RPM and is still there with the vehicle on jack stands.

I'm curious to see where this thread goes.

If you think the pump is going bad, Here is a test proceedure From the service manual hopefully you know someone that has a tester Its really easy to use. Steering shaft U-joints make the steering tinght in spots and sometimes all the time but will notice that the steering is tight no matter what speed you are going.... POWER STEERING PUMP FLOW RATE AND PRESSURE TEST
The following procedure is used to test the operation of the power steering system on the vehicle. This test will provide the flow rate of the power steering pump along with the maximum relief pressure. Perform test any time a power steering system problem is present. This test will determine if the power steering pump or power steering gear is not functioning properly. The following pressure and flow test is performed using Pressure/Flow tester, Special Tool 6815 Pressure Test Gauge

POWER STEERING PUMP FLOW AND PRESSURE TEST PROCEDURE
Check belt tension and adjust as necessary.
Disconnect high pressure hose at gear or pump. Use a container for dripping fluid.
Connect pressure gauge from Power Steering Analyzer Tool kit 6815 to both hoses using appropriate adapter. Connect spare pressure hose to gear or pump.
Open the test valve completely.
Start engine and let idle long enough to circulate power steering fluid through flow/pressure test gauge and to get air out of the fluid. Then shut off engine.
Check fluid level, add fluid as necessary. Start engine again and let idle.
Gauge should read below 1034 kPa (150 psi), if above, inspect the hoses for restrictions and repair as necessary. The initial pressure reading should be in the range of 345-552 kPa (50-80 psi) The flow meter should read between 1.3 and 1.9 GPM
CAUTION: The following test procedure involves testing maximum pump pressure output and flow control valve operation. Do not leave valve closed for more than five seconds as the pump could be damaged.

Close valve fully three times and record highest pressure indicated each time. All three readings must be above specifications and within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other.
Pressures above specifications but not within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other, replace pump.
Pressures within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other but below specifications, replace pump.
NOTE: Refer to pump relief pressure chart.

CAUTION: Do not force the pump to operate against the stops for more than 2 to 4 seconds at a time because, pump damage will result.

Open the test valve, turn steering wheel extreme left and right positions against the stops. Record the highest indicated pressure at each position. Compare readings to specifications chart. If highest output pressures are not the same against either stop, the gear is leaking internally and must be repaired
PUMP SPECIFICATION CHART
ENGINE RELIEF PRESSURE (P.S.I.) FLOW (G.P.M.)
3.9L 1400 to 1500 2.4 to 2.8
5.2L 1400 to 1500 2.4 to 2.8
5.9L 1400 to 1500 2.7 to 3.1
8.0L 1450 to 1550 3.1 to 3.5
5.9L Diesel 1400 to 1500 2.7 to 3.1