I have been cleaning up various parts of my steering linkage like the tie rod ends. These are bare steel. I want to paint them with the Hardnose from POR-15. I've used this before on other parts and really like the results. My problem is that I'm not sure what to do about the threads on the tie rod ends. If I paint them, then as soon as I adjust the alignment I'll expose bare metal. I thought about using lithium grease to prevent oxidation on the threads only. However, grease picks up dust and road grime so easily. Any suggestions?

after everything is adjusted on the car, paint them!

I have used a DuPont spray lube I bought at Lowes for this; it solidifies when dry and is not sticky (more like a wax) and contains Teflon.

Eric, that sounds promising. Thanks for the tip.