Mystery Bracket
 

Greetings all,
I have a 1991 XLT, with 2.3l, 5 speed and AC.
I was searching for an oil leak on the drivers side. When I cleaned off the oil pan I still had wet stuff, so I removed a bracket ( Picture 1) that mounts from the back of the block (Bolt looks like it will go through to the bell housing, Picture 3), and the other end bolts to the Block near the motor mount (Picture 2).
Does anyone know what this bracket is supposed to do?
Is it just to add structural strength?
Thanks
Bobmo

It's a brace. Some engineer was wringing their hands thinking a chunk of that boat anchor would break off.

Thanks Glendor,
I'll let you know if any parts break off, since that support is now in my steel recycle box waiting for the price of steel to go back up.
Love them engineers with lots of analytic 'tools' and not a lick of common sense.
Bobmo