What is this part and what does it do - Differential Question.

[MyLittlePony]

Ok, so I swapped my 7.5" rear end for a 8.8 from a 98 mustang. When the top was up I could hear these horrible sounds when I drove over bumps and turns. We've figured it was this part. It was loose. We tried tightening it, but it just wouldnt get any tighter, so we removed it.

What is this, what does it do, and do I need it? My 7.5 (v6) diff didnt have it.

 

[duff daddy]

That is a dapmper that goes on the rear end which keeps NHV (noise harshness and vibrations) to a minimum with stock gears. The factory does that to try to quiet any noies, or vibrations. You dont really need it, but it doesnt make a huge difference if you do get rid of it.

 

[toyman]

That is a dapmper that goes on the rear end which keeps NHV (noise harshness and vibrations) to a minimum with stock gears. The factory does that to try to quiet any noies, or vibrations. You dont really need it, but it doesnt make a huge difference if you do get rid of it.

Ok, so I swapped my 7.5" rear end for a 8.8 from a 98 mustang. When the top was up I could hear these horrible sounds when I drove over bumps and turns. We've figured it was this part. It was loose. We tried tightening it, but it just wouldnt get any tighter, so we removed it.

What is this, what does it do, and do I need it? My 7.5 (v6) diff didnt have it.

Just added weight. It won't make any noticeable difference. Commonly called a "dog bone".