Well , got the tie rod fixed, while at the same time using an expert helper ( I became the helper ) to listen for steering squeaks. Traced it by elimination to a collapsed front bearing bracket bushing. I did not think it possible - for two reasons.
First, I never thought this kind of a noise would come from a rubber bushing. Second, I had replaced these bushings not six months ago when rebuilding the front end. So I must have done something wrong during installation.
It took me a while to understand my own observation - The squeak was caused (also) when braking, during which time the chassis moves shifting its weight forward in the process. This in turn meant it was (also) suspension driven rather than steering driven.
thanks for the good Ideas.