"New" Ranger - where should this part be?

[dtmaxwell]

I just picked up a 97 Ranger Super Cab with the 2.3L and found something in the engine bay that should be bolted down but it isn't.

Can you identify the piece in the picture below and let me know where it should be located and fastened down? There is a bracket on it but I can't find an obvious place to bolt it down.

Picture 1 - back left of picture - it's the piece with the bracket and a connection over to the top of the intake:

Picture 2 - in my hand:

Thanks for your help!
DM

 

[john112deere]

It doesn't look familiar...meaning for sure that it's never broken on my '97 2.3, and that nothing underneath it has, either.

But, it looks like a cruise control motor to me (meaning my truck doesn't have it at all)- does that cable go to the throttle body?

Not sure where it would mount. My '09 4.0 has it near where you show it, but that's not too relevant here.

*I'll see if I've got any engine-bay shots- my truck is as close to factory as you're gonna find, for one with over a quarter million on the clock. I'll post 'em if I can find them...otherwise I'll take a look at it tomorrow, and see if I can figure it out.

 

[dtmaxwell]

Thanks - I believe the cable does go over to the throttle body, I can check tomorrow. It does have factory cruise control and I think you're right about this being the brains of it. I've been searching photos and diy manuals to figure this out but I didn't look for the cruise module.

Now all I have to do is figure out how to attach it!

DM

 

[wahlstrom1]

There should be a slot in the inner fenderwell near where it was sitting to lock to lower tab in. The upper tab with the hole then bolts to the fender using a stock fender bolt.

 

[dorman68]

It doesn't look familiar...meaning for sure that it's never broken on my '97 2.3, and that nothing underneath it has, either.

But, it looks like a cruise control motor to me (meaning my truck doesn't have it at all)- does that cable go to the throttle body?

Not sure where it would mount. My '09 4.0 has it near where you show it, but that's not too relevant here.

*I'll see if I've got any engine-bay shots- my truck is as close to factory as you're gonna find, for one with over a quarter million on the clock. I'll post 'em if I can find them...otherwise I'll take a look at it tomorrow, and see if I can figure it out.

I concur. It looks like a cruise control module / motor assembly.