Does your unit have two sector output shafts? Pictures would help.
There should be an adjustment screw to set the backlash on the gears. If it has two shafts there is two adjustment screws. To adjust, loosen the jam nut at the base of screw. Turn screw clockwise to tighten the gear mesh. I like just a little movement of steering wheel with no movement of pitman arm.
After backlash is properly set, hold screw with screwdriver and tighten the jam nut. That should reduce the slack in steering and could help with the hard steering issues.
Good luck and let us know what you find.