What is this things purpose in life?

[85_Ranger4x4]

The hunk of plastic that is leaning on the headlight, what does it do besides flop around helplessly when the grille is removed?

 

[BlueChariot]

Looks like it used to be some sort of trim that was connected to the front edge of the fender. Looks like it has the same curve.

 

[Duane867]

Gap filler between the render and the head light.

 

[John Smith]

I believe it attaches

2 the fender.....

 

[Mark_88]

Yes, it's a trim for the headlight that is supposed to help keep water out from behind the lamp...there should also be a piece of rubber that goes in there somewhere but it would be attached (sometimes) to a chrome rectangular piece...they all fit over the headlight with the chrome piece being the actual holder for the light...

Not sure if they changed that in the Gen II Rangers where they have the lamp case and halogen lamp bulbs...I was thinking of upgrading the front end on mine some day...

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Yes, it's a trim for the headlight that is supposed to help keep water out from behind the lamp...there should also be a piece of rubber that goes in there somewhere but it would be attached (sometimes) to a chrome rectangular piece...they all fit over the headlight with the chrome piece being the actual holder for the light...

Not sure if they changed that in the Gen II Rangers where they have the lamp case and halogen lamp bulbs...I was thinking of upgrading the front end on mine some day...

The part in question matches of the profile of the fender pretty close, doesn't really seem to have much of anything in common with the square ring that holds the bulb in. It looked to have two barb clips to snap in the fender, but they wouldn't snap.

A water deflector makes about as much sense as anything, the gasket on the top of the grille doesn't go clear out to the edge.

 

[7.5L_STX]

clearly its there to make people ask questions.......duh! lol

 

[CountryBoy78]

ah its just another useless spare part that adds to wind drag and extra weight to the truck to burn more fuel

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

ah its just another useless spare part that adds to wind drag and extra weight to the truck to burn more fuel

It is behind the grille so no wind drag, but I am wondering if it isn't the cause of a rattle I have been hunting for in the front of the truck...

 

[CountryBoy78]

could be the noise maker .......so what is it? a trim piece for the headlight assembly or trim for the grill

Maybe a chiliton's ( body section) book would have a pic of that part?

 

[Mark_88]

I don't think that part would make any noise...but your truck might make noises without it...

What kind of noise are you hearing...is it metal banging, something flapping, a rattle or a squeak, or do you you only hear it when you hit a bump or turn off the stereo?

Depending on what it is, you may be looking too far forward...most rattles are inside the dash...most squeaks are in suspension parts (including seats)...most bangs are to do with the tires or parts thereof, and most flapping noises are from body parts about to take flight...

 

[JoshT]

Wandered about those myself the first time I saw them I eventually came to the conclusion that they are a light shield. To block any light that might be caught behind the grill from shining around the edge.

My 84 didn't have them, but seen them on many in the salvage yard and my 86 has them.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I don't think that part would make any noise...but your truck might make noises without it...

What kind of noise are you hearing...is it metal banging, something flapping, a rattle or a squeak, or do you you only hear it when you hit a bump or turn off the stereo?

Depending on what it is, you may be looking too far forward...most rattles are inside the dash...most squeaks are in suspension parts (including seats)...most bangs are to do with the tires or parts thereof, and most flapping noises are from body parts about to take flight...

It sounds just like I would think that would sound rattling on the backside of the grille going over bumps. A plasticy flapping rattle. The other side is pretty tight to the fender, I might see if I can find a way to get this thing to sit in there tighter and if that is it.

 

[CountryBoy78]

can you just take it out and run it without it? might find out if it was making the noise

 

[fangotango306]

i have trashed those on every truck i have seen. and never once did i have a care or concern. and still dont know what it is.