I used the exact same parts as Beaner from Speedway, but was worried about stripping the alum. rods and went with swedged steel tubes from Jegs....

Allstar Performance ALL57112 Allstar Swedged Steel Tie Rod Tubes

I didn't need any washers and lubed up the 4-bar ends with AquaShield underwater extreme grease to negate any squeeks.
A smattering of Never Seez on the threads also helps.