Hi, this is Bo, an auto expert on RepairPal's Car Genius team!
Ouch, potholes – they're like the unannounced, unwelcome speed bumps that fight back and aim straight for your wallet via your car's suspension! Sorry to hear your Challenger's rack and pinion took a hit.
Now, about playing Dr. Frankenstein with that electric power steering motor, swapping yours onto the junkyard rack... theoretically, if the bare rack from the junkyard is the *exact* same part number and design as yours, just sans motor, it *might* be possible. However, these electric power steering units are often pretty integrated. There could be calibration issues or subtle differences that make the motor incompatible or cause the system to throw a fit once installed. It's a bit like trying to use your old phone's battery in a slightly different model; it might look the same, but the connections or software might not play nice. It's generally less grief to get a complete, known-good unit.
As for interchangeability, your best bet is to stick with a rack and pinion specifically for a 2015-2023 Dodge Challenger with the 3.6L engine and electronic power steering. While some parts are shared with its cousin, the Dodge Charger, there can be subtle differences in ratios or fittings. A trusted parts supplier or a Dodge dealer's parts department can look up the exact OEM part number for your VIN and tell you which other years/models are a direct crossover. That's the safest way to avoid getting a part that's *almost* right but causes headaches down the line.
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