The air intake system runs between the radiator and the front of the engine cover with plenty of space to keep the incoming air charge cool. The 2.3 is built off the same family of architecture as the 2-iter so they go down the same line; they have the same machine centers.
The inner tie rod ends are attached to either end of the center link and provides pivot points for the steering gear. From there it goes to the outer tie rod ends through an adjustment sleeve. This sleeve joins the inner and outer tie rod ends together and allows for adjustment when the front wheels are aligned. The outer tie rod ends are connected to the steering knuckle that actually turns the front wheels.
The sole purpose of the tie rod is to connect the two front wheel hubs together so that when one turns, the other will turn the same amount. The tie rod connects to the steering knuckle on the wheel hub, which is an arm that sticks out from the hub at an angle.