I finally got another chance to test things. First, over the last week I noticed that the binding/ticking sound only happens when I am turning the wheel. Not just having the wheel turned, but I have to be in the process of turning the wheel.
Second, I lifted the car front, put it in first, and tried to rotate one front wheel with the other front wheel being held steady. It turns only slightly. Not big play, no bad grinding sounds at all. Just for giggles, I spun one wheel and saw that the other wheel also turned freely. No sounds at all. I then canted the wheels almost all the way in one direction, and spun one wheel. Again, the other side also spins freely with no problems and virtually no noise other than the rubber boot. I canted the wheels almost all the other side, with the same result.
I then had my wife turn the wheels while I was listening near the wheel well. I couldn't hear any bad sounds. When it happens, its only when the wheels are on the ground - presumably due to the friction of the wheels on the ground providing resistance to turning.
This might be wishful thinking on my part, but this is not a differential or CV problem due to the almost total lack of grinding, clicking or other bad sounds.
I didn't get a chance to test the ball joint or the tie rod end, but that is for next weekend.
thanks,
Mad Dog