yet another 'name that' - mount?

[rfl]

When we pulled the engine out of a '93 Ranger 4.0L 4wd, the driver side block had a bracket above the left motor mount that extended over to the left frame rail. The end of that bracket has a small gas strut that mounts to another bracket on the outer part of the frame rail.

1) What is this gas strut/assembly called?
2) Do we need it?

I am thinking this is some type of torque damper that is all for feel and not to keep from braking the motor mount, but I want to be sure before I decide to not put something back on. The old gas strut has just about given out and the local parts stores are trying to tell me it is not stock - I know for sure its stock.

 

[RangerSVT]

It is stock, and can be run without it. Best I can describe is it dampens the torque of the motor/helps the motor mounts live longer...

SVT

 

[SenorNoob]

I second this post. It isn't "needed". I haven't had one since the swap. Almost exactly a year now.

 

[AllanD]

That little shock is probably toast and if it is I'd be surprised if you can buy a
new one anyway.

They deleted it on the explorer going into 1993 because the ABS pump bracket mounted
to the set of holes the frame side bracket bolted to

 

[rfl]

Sorry for the late follow-up, but I did read the replies as they came in. We are not replacing the mount. FWIW, it is available from Ford, but not from any 3rd party that I have found (looked even though it was not going to be replaced).