Both my Subs are 3/4 ton 4x4 diesels. The '84 is 6.2 NA, the '95 is a 6.5 Turbo Diesel. They are as different as a Ford and a Dodge, not one single part interchanges. But the steering gear boxes are the same internally, but the '84 is on the outside of the frame, the '95 on the inside. Why the diff? Chevy was sued big time for the external fuel tanks behind the rockers on the pickups, (dual tanks optional). So Chevy widened the frame and put the tank inboard on the Tahoe & pickups and it stayed in the back on the Subs.
Anyhow, I changed the box on a '87 I have since sold, and it went from 1 finger lite touch to aforementioned PIA full hand grip. I'm exaggerating, but you get the picture.
So I called Lares, they said they rebuild exactly as GM makes them, I said yeah, rite... So when it came time to put one in my '84 Sub (same as '87 I sold, I've had many of these) I called Lares, and they said they'd rebuild my old one for $160 +SH. I decided to by it locally, and it's nice and EZ just like it should be. So next I bot one for the '95, and armstrong PS...
True, the steering wheel is slightly smaller, and they both have oversize 285 tires, but the difference is huge. I often tow a trailer, and backing up is so much easier w the lite steering, using just a finger to flick the wheel. The '95 is a nuisance, even just going down the road and turning into a driveway.
Rest assured, everything is in fine working order. something comes to mind... The '95's Hydro Boost has a slite leak, and I keep it topped up every couple weeks. It's power brakes are kinda spongy. This is most noticeable when switching from the '84. I doubt this has any bearing on the steering effort.
My mention of the torsion spring comes from my conversation w a Lares Tech. He said the "Torsion Spring" is what determines the resistance, or feel.