What is this thing?

[Sternwheeler]

I was changing plugs when I found this nestled in near the crossmember. What is it and where does it go? I have a 2005 Ranger with a 4.0. I purchased it used.

 

[Curious Hound]

I don’t know. But you better find the right 3-pin spanner wrench so you can re-install it.

 

[Sternwheeler]

Sadly, that doesn't actually turn, nor is the inside of the hole threaded.

 

[CrabGuy]

It sure looks like #2 in this diagram.

 

[Sternwheeler]

It surely does, and considering I just had new control arms put on...

 

[Curious Hound]

It sure looks like #2 in this diagram.

View attachment 92628

Yes. It does look like #2. If so, I believe it was installed at the factory so they can assemble everything without having to do an alignment. It prevents the alignment from being adjusted. So, with miles on the vehicle and components being replaced, the alignment would have to be adjusted. That part is removed and no longer needed. Had that in my F150 a couple years ago.

 

[Sternwheeler]

Yes. It does look like #2. If so, I believe it was installed at the factory so they can assemble everything without having to do an alignment. It prevents the alignment from being adjusted. So, with miles on the vehicle and components being replaced, the alignment would have to be adjusted. That part is removed and no longer needed. Had that in my F150 a couple years ago.

It required camber adjusting bolts to get rid of the knock-kneed front wheels, so they definitely would have needed to remove them.

 

[don4331]

The 5 sides (cut off corners and and adjacent sides) allow 1* increments of camber change. The bolts won't hold the adjustment without the plates...

 

[19Walt93]

That plate would be replaced when camber adjustment is done.

 

[Sternwheeler]

Uh oh. I better check the rest of them.

 

[Sternwheeler]

When the alignment was done, "camber bolts" with plates of their own were installed. So... I'm good?

 

[akrizan]

Yes, the original plates need to come out so that the adjustable ones can seat.