Why don't you knock the tie rod ends loose from the steering arms so you turn only the rack? This will isolate where the problem is. I don't know if you have the stock 74 up ford rack with stud through the crossmember mount or aftermarket that clamps to a flat plate. If the latter and it turns hard when disconnected from the steering arms, loosen one end and turn again. If free the rack is in a bind , if not it's warped. If bound you can shim, if warped--discard.