Steering weight

[ron.thomas]

I have a 1954 XK120 OTS with a standard steering and front suspension set up and drove the car recently for the first time this year. I gave the car an annual service including greasing all points and checking/top up of the steering box and idler. I know the steering weight is heavy as normal but the feel is different to my memory, as a test I lifted the front end off the ground and tried the steering with no ground contact - the first 3/4 to one turn in either direction is reasonably light and the steering angle remains if the steering wheel is released. Beyond that point to full lock, the steering rapidly becomes very stiff and the wheels return to a more centred position quickly when the steering wheel is released.
Is this behaviour actually normal or is it the symptom of something wrong in the steering set up? Any ideas of inspections or checks I can make?

[mike020150]

Leaving the suspension hanging on full droop can induce some strange effects on suspension geometry when turning the steering wheel. Try standing the front wheels on two sheets of greased cardboard so the wheels can turn whilst supporting the car's weight. If all feels OK, there isn't a problem. Mike.

[PaulGover]

As an alternative to greased cardboard, an old glossy magazine opened out - the shiny pages make a good bearing.
'Course in these days nobody reads glossy magazines, so perhaps a stack of old phones or tablets