I just completely rebuilt my rearend after taking it apart too many times to count. I was wondering though what the big chuck of metal is, that hangs from the rearend, underneath the pumpkin and is mounted in rubber? Can I leave this off or does it have to be on there?
It's typically referred to as the "dogbone" because of it's shape. It's a weight to help prevent axl hop and vibration. You can take it off no problem. You'll save about 8lbs.
I've had them off on every 'stang i've ever owned. I think it was Ford's lame attempt at preventing hop, just like the quad shocks were. If they'd have just given these cars good control arms then they wouldn't have needed the quads or the dogbone.