Alright so Im new to the forums, and really a new Ranger owner. I have an 04 Ford Ranger 2.3L 4x2. Took her off roading while home on leave and heard a clunk and felt a whole lot of vibration in my cab and through my shifter lever. Took a look under the truck to find this Huge steel ring hanging on my snout end of the tranny. It was sitting over a rubber coating (which the duct tape is covering) and it wont sit back on snuggly(Which is why I used the tape to make it back home at a slow putter). Not too sure if I need this ring or not, doesnt seem to do much. Had my father look at it since he owned a 97 ranger 2.3l and didnt know what it was nor did he remember having one on his truck.

Im at a crossroads guys, can someone/anyone help me out here? Can I just get rid of the ring? If not, how do I fix it?

Pictures:

 

its meant to dampen vibration. it also acts as centrifugal force to keep the snout straight. you can cut it off if you want. or slide it off by removing the driveshaft

 

will I run into any issues with it off?

 

not that ive seen. my friend took his off, no problems

 

Where is the part number located on the driveshaft on a 2001 ranger , 5 speed, 2.3L motor? How can the harmonic balancer be reattached to it?

 

Thanks in advance. I am about to time out on my public computer.

 

The metal collar is only on 4cylinder models, i.e. 2.3l

Not sure of the part number, check with Ford Dealer

 

Ours is a 5 speed trans on a 2001 2.3L. Is the same drive shaft used on 2.3L with auto trans?