2003 Dodge Intrepid Steering, Gear and Related Components
Understanding Steering, Gear & Related Components
Your vehicle's steering system is one of the most safety-critical assemblies on the road. From the moment you turn the wheel, a chain of precisely engineered components — gearboxes, rack-and-pinion assemblies, tie rod ends, steering columns, and stabilizers — work in concert to translate your input into controlled, confident direction changes. Whether you drive a daily commuter, a lifted off-road truck, or a classic street rod, the condition of these components directly affects handling precision, driver fatigue, and overall safety.
A steering system spans a wide range of hardware. The steering gear box converts rotational motion from the steering column into the lateral force needed to turn the wheels, while a rack and pinion assembly does the same job in a more compact, direct-feel package commonly found in modern passenger cars. Steering tie rod ends form the critical link between the steering gear and the wheel hubs — worn tie rod ends are a leading cause of loose, wandering steering and uneven tire wear. For trucks and SUVs running larger tires or a suspension lift, a quality steering stabilizer dampens road vibration and "death wobble," restoring control and reducing driver fatigue. And for classic car enthusiasts looking to modernize their ride, a manual steering to power steering conversion kit is the single most impactful upgrade available — transforming a heavy, laborious steering feel into a smooth, modern driving experience.
Top Brands in Steering, Gear & Related Components
Choosing the right brand matters when it comes to steering parts. Here are the most trusted names in this category:
- Borgeson — Founded in 1914 in Torrington, Connecticut, Borgeson is the leading manufacturer and supplier of aftermarket steering components for street rods, racing, and pickup truck markets. Their comprehensive product range spans power and manual steering boxes, conversion kits, universal joints, intermediate shafts, and complete column assemblies. Borgeson also holds the OE manufacturing rights for Saginaw manual steering gear boxes, making them the definitive source for classic car steering upgrades.
- Dorman — Dorman is widely recognized for producing hard-to-find replacement parts that address known engineering shortcomings of original designs. Their steering catalog covers a broad range of rack-and-pinion assemblies, tie rod ends, steering columns, and intermediate shafts for a wide variety of domestic and import vehicles, making them a practical choice for everyday repair and replacement needs.
- Moog Chassis Parts — MOOG has earned its iconic reputation as the chassis industry's "Problem Solver" by constantly introducing design enhancements that extend product life and simplify installation. Their steering lineup includes tie rod ends, idler arms, pitman arms, and drag links — many featuring innovations like greaseable gusher bearings and pre-installed dust boots engineered for longer service life. MOOG is also the official steering and suspension supplier of NASCAR.
- Skyjacker Suspension — Since 1974, Skyjacker has been a dedicated off-road brand engineering steering stabilizers, pitman arms, and related components specifically for lifted trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Their stabilizers are designed to dampen out highway harshness and the "shimmy" that comes from running larger tires and wheels, putting control back in the driver's hands.
- ACDelco — As GM's factory parts brand, ACDelco brings OEM-grade engineering standards to a wide range of steering and suspension replacement parts. Their components are engineered to maintain the handling feel and safety specifications your vehicle was designed to deliver, making them a trusted choice for GM owners seeking like-for-like replacement quality.
What to Consider When Shopping Steering Parts
Before purchasing any steering component, it's important to confirm fitment by year, make, and model — steering geometry varies significantly across vehicles. Consider whether you need a direct OEM replacement to restore factory feel, or a performance upgrade to improve on the original design. For lifted trucks and off-road builds, pay close attention to compatibility with your suspension lift height, as geometry changes can affect steering component selection. When replacing wear items like tie rod ends or gear boxes, it is generally good practice to inspect related components at the same time, as uneven wear patterns can accelerate failure across the entire steering linkage.