is wheel alignment needed?

GOOD GOD YES! AND INSPECITION is so VERY important! I nearly lost my BENZ C280 as ONE BALL joint BROKE! I even had an ALIGNMENT but they were DUMB and did NOT check the BALL JOINTS FIRST! We should have MANDATORY locations for AUTO CHECKIING  and inspecgtions as CARS now go SO VERY QUICK and NO CAR is OKAY with BAD SUSPENION PARTS! 

When you pay for a steering linkage repair, setting the toe (alignment) is included in the labor cost to replace the tie rod, in your case. If the car has serious and obvious alignment issues, then you will need a front end or four wheel alignment which is usually around $79. 

Repeat question.  Do the alignment BEFORE you need another set of tires.

Depends on how closely the shop installs it to ideal. Hard to do without putting it on the alignment rack....

If the tires have been wearing good most mechanics know that when replacing the tie rod ends you can install them and be within 1/6" of an inch. If it was my car I'd just make sure the steering wheel is still straight and watch my tires for wear. If you have over 80,000 miles on your car getting an alignment wouldn't hurt. 

Have the alignment done right away when the rod is replaced.

Most shops are going to require it for safety and liability reasons or they won't do the work, so you'll need to ask THEM, not us.

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Reported for repeat question.

The smart thing to do, oh spammer boy, is to get it done right then. We all know that you won't get it done " a few days later". You'll drive it until the tire goes completely to **** because it needs an alignment.