Steering Linkage Finish Question

[tristan]

I've had the factory tilt steering column removed from my 1971 Jimmy and sent off to a board member for a makeover. Before shipping it out I had to remove the linkage assembly that connects the steering column to the steering gearbox (don't know the official names, sorry). I was able to loosen the retaining bolt and collar with some Liquid Wrench and a few magic words and then drive off the shaft with a hammer and chisel. I didn't mark it up, destroy it or anything!

After degreasing this assembly I thought I would clean it up and paint it before re-assembling it once I get the column back. Once the grease was off it looks like the linkage shaft is in-the-white, AKA no paint or other coating. Please take a look at the pictures. For those of you with original trucks, is this part of your steering assembly painted or left bare metal? Also, what kind of grease should I use on the spline when it is time to put everything back together?