Stiff steering after repair? Normal?

A couple of days ago, my 1997 GMC Sierra blew power steering fluid all over the ground. The repair shop I took it to said the power steering pump was fine but that the gearing between the steering column and the power steering module (I think this is what he said) needed to be replaced. When I got it back, the steering was really tight and stiff. Before the blow-out and repair, I could turn the wheel quite easily while it was parked - like with just my index finger. Now it requires more force. I can tell the power steering is working but not to the level it was before.

Is this normal? I had read that the truck has speed sensitive steering. Is there a chance that its not working now? How can I tell?

Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

I am giving this my best guess because I'm not sure what the repair shop was telling you. IF you truck is equipped with EVO (Electronic Variable Orifice) steering it most likely uses a sensor at the base of the steering column to regulate the power steering pump. On vehicles equipped with EVO, the sensor can fail and cause increased effort at low speeds.