The inner tie-rod dust boots on my steering rack are torn and need replacing. While they're off, should I apply any grease to the rack parts that they cover? If so, what type of grease should I use?

Also, I need to replace the outer tie-rod ends, because the grease bellows are torn, though I can't feel any play in them, or any oher part of the front end. While I'm doing this, I considered replacing the struts (140k miles). The front end doesn't bounce abnormally when I firmly push down and release the bumper, but I noticed thick, dirty oil or grease near the top of one strut, just below its dust cover. Am I wasting $ changing the struts? The rear shocks were replaced about 40k miles ago, becasue they were obviously worn out.

Thanks,
Kcarl