New here and just bought the car yesterday. While driving I kept hearing a scraping from the drive shaft area. I look underneath when I get home and its the part in question I believe. I tried to google it, but I wasn't able to find a name. Thank you in advance.

 

It's just a counter weight to help drive line vibrations. Most guys take it off without any issues.

If your running much steeper gears, you may want to keep it. Or at least don't toss it away until after a test drive.

 

Thanks man, it looks like the bolt and washer are still there on mine so I'm going to reattach it if I can. Really appreciate the help. My first project car ever so it's going to be a lot of questions. Need to get a Haynes manual.

 

Glad to help....

 

Throw the Hayne's in the trash, Invest about $200 in the full volume set of Ford factory manuals on your vehicle. Should be 3 or 4 volume set, and I promise you can completely disassemble if you won't. A wealth of info for the car enthusiast. Should be a Body, Chassis and Electrical Volume, Engine Volume, and a Spec Volume. Minimum. Happy Motoring.

 

Bishko's a good source for that.