Just one.
The Morgans that I have seen with Orion look like the Edson but not sure about the internals. My first thought would be to remove the cable(or whatever ties the chain that you mentioned) from the steering quandrant/radial wheel/lever on the rudderpost. In other words see if the rudderpost is binding in the bearings. If the rudder turns easily while detached from the helm then you will need to dig into the internals of the pedestal. Is there a wheel brake that is binding? Without a load on the chain does the wheel turn easily? If yes the problem might be the sheaves under the pedestal(if there are any), etc. I am betting on the rudder bearings but hope not.
