rear end pinion nose weight

[comporange04GT]

I've rebuilt and beefed up the 8.8 in my '04 mustang and am getting ready to reinstall it in the car. I am wondering about the cast iron weight that hangs down below the pinion area of the center section. Does anyone know what this weight really does and what would be the issue if I didn't put it back. Any help would be really appreciated.

 

[joshjwc9]

It is sort of like a balancer but for the rear end. Helps keep vibrations down. I would reinstall it if you have the stock driveshaft, but if you have an aluminum one you can remove it just fine and save another 20 lbs.

At least that's what my shop told me, and I haven't had issues with it off once my aluminum DS went on..

 

[007]

Take it off and throw it away! Worthless extra weight.
I removed mine when I installed the 4.10s about 9 years ago.

 

[comporange04GT]

In the trash it goes. Thanks guys.

 

[Jinx]

Don't throw it out just yet. If you take it off and, after driving a while, notice a vibration or noise in the drive line, you may need to put it back on. Just set it in the garage or shed some where and see how things go for a while.