experts, what is this underbody part?

[n0v8or]

This part is bolted to the differential case on my GT. Is was already rusting at delivery, and after a year and 5000 miles, is beginning to disintegrate.
See pic at:

http://members.cox.net/n0v8or/rusty_brace.jpg

What is it and should I replace it?
The local dealer claims it's an aftermarket part used by drag racers to protect against a broken drive shaft damaging the track, therefore not warranted by Ford. I don't buy that story, as it not only only came with the car, I found a new GT on his lot with the same (rusty) part fitted. Plus, the mounting point is rearward of the rear universal joint, so no such protection would result.

 

[neoclasiccl]

Ah that's the dogbone. It's supposed to help with vibrations. It's a factory piece so that person is a complete moron.

 

[1low03gt]

That is the dogbone that helps dampen any vibration with the factory stock gear ratio!! That is how they come factory on stangs,even as far back in the earlier years!!

 

[Aaron 4.6]

You have the stupidest dealer on earth. Do not ever return for any reason to a place that would try to pass that line. There is a big difference between the dogbone and a driveshaft loop.

 

[GT2000JAY]

Take it off and beat the guy at Ford who told you that with it... show no mercy. Then swap the gears and add an aluminum driveshaft so you don't have to put it back on.

 

[twogts4us]

All of em rust, but I don't see the disintigraion you are talking about...

 

[TripleBlk]

You have the stupidest dealer on earth. Do not ever return for any reason to a place that would try to pass that line. There is a big difference between the dogbone and a driveshaft loop.

Yeh, stupidest or crookedest. Those dampers are unpainted, and you are just seeing surface rust. It MIGHT disintegrate in another 150 years. If it bugs you, just wire-wheel the rust and spray some rustoleum on it.

 

[Mustang5L5]

This part is bolted to the differential case on my GT. Is was already rusting at delivery, and after a year and 5000 miles, is beginning to disintegrate.
.

Your dogbone looks fine. It's just surface rust. I don't see any disintegration really. The rubber might crack, but it won't hurt anything.

They have been on Mustangs rears since the first 8.8 came in one in 1986. Not sure if the earlier 7.5" has one.

The one on my '88 looks like the same condition yours is. I'd remove it but i always forget every time i'm under the car

 

[n0v8or]

Thanks, folks.
It looks good on the outer surface, but every time I rap it with a wrench, I get a pile of rust on the garage floor.

 

[twogts4us]

Thanks, folks.
It looks good on the outer surface, but every time I rap it with a wrench, I get a pile of rust on the garage floor.

Not trying to be a smarta$$ (well, not completely true!) but quit rapping it with a wrench!!!

Have a great 4th!!!