what is that chunk of metal that is bolted to the bottom of the rear end? what is it their for? i want to take it off.

 

I'm pretty sure it's so you don't actually hit the housing , like as if you were to hit something while driving it will hit that and not damage the differential cover
Ive wanted to take it off as well but it will only save you in case something were to happen like that

 

its a vibration damper

 

It is a NVH thing, I took it off of my car within the first two weeks of ownership in December of 2006--been 85k miles without it since then.

You will need two shorter bolts (3/8-16 IIRC) to remount the axle snubber which is a "good thing" (apologies to Martha)...

 

+1 Its a vibration dampner, mine was delelted in favor for the Team Z upper control arm relocation kit.

 

whitefox threw mine in the trash when he did my gears

 

and arent you happy?! 4.10's make all the difference dont they bro?!