piece fell off underside of ranger

[diphu1]

So as I was driving around today a piece fell off the underside of my 2001 ranger. It was a cylinder and appeared to be some sort of counter weight or something...I've noticed it before (as it had hit something and gotten bent down and out of shape years ago) and asked a few mechanics (never took it to a ford dealer) and none of them seemed to know what it was or what the purpose was besides guessing the same thing I had guessed.

Since it fell off I figured I'd ask folks here if anyone knows what it was. Unfortunately I don't have pics of it but I have pics of where it used to be. Any clue what it was and if it's important? There is a bit of the collar that secured it on left and I'm just planning on removing it as it's rattling around and making noise.
Thanks!

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

That ranger has some funky ass exhaust going on there....

Ford does seem to put counter weight/ vibration dampeners on different parts of the driveline/ exhaust to cancel out unwanted noise and vibrations.

 

[EMSRanger]

maybe an exhaust hanger/bracket that goes up to the frame some how???

 

[killacal]

That's a rotted off muffler clamp... maybe it mounted to something? I would just remove it, and forget it ever happened.

 

[kcm1582]

Sounds like a vibration dampener. I have seen them on a few exhausts, but it would be the first time on a Ranger.