'90 Ranger oilpan issue

[relarz]

Hey all, new member here!

I'm the new owner of a 1990 Ranger XLT and I just ran into an issue with the oilpan I was wondering if I can get some help with before I start throwing money at the problem.

I noticed a puddle of oil under it this morning before I took off and slid under it to see what was up. What I saw was the two pics I've uploaded. I noted that the oilpan plug on the rear-side of the lower part of the pan was still securely in place, but google has lead me nowhere as to what plug/sensor would have been there in the first place.

The hole is near the front of the oilpan, on a raised portion of it above part of the axle/frame. Is the piece that went there critical? Most of the replacement oilpans I've found for sale do not even have an opening for this piece, and if its not necessary, I'll pull the trigger and get it started. If it is a crucial piece, then how do I go about maintaining this piece in the vehicle?

Thanks ahead of time for the help!

 

[RonD]

Welcome to TRS

Ranger oil pans could have a hole in the side for an oil level sensor, but not where you describe, and can't tell from the pictures

Diagram here: http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a62/turbographx/Ranger/oilpan30.jpg

Picture of 2.9l oil pan and sensor: http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=6535&stc=1&d=1326333492