I have a 1990, F150 5.0L 4x2.

Bolted on right next to the coil, with a 1/4 inch bolt is a metal cylinder that has 1 wire going into it. To me it looks like a condenser, but I am not sure. It is a cylinder about 3/4 inches across x 2 inches long. The cylinder is filled with some rubber-like material.

The one wire that goes into it comes out of a wiring tube with two or three other wires. The other wires go into the coil.

My guess is all the wires come from the distributor.

Anyone have any idea what it is? When I inspected it, half the wires that went into it were frayed off.

 

It is the radio noise suppressor capacitor.
The name was changed from condenser to capacitor in 1923 when it was learned that the item did not condense electricity away, it stored it.
Although the automotive people were slow to change the name.

 

Thank you for the prompt reply. I appreciate your information.

Since it is associated with the radio, can I assume that if it is not present, that it would not cause any components or systems to work on the truck? (other than radio problems)

 

If this thing is in fact a radio noise supressor capacitor then go ahead get rid of it, will not affect anything.

 

The FORD manuals are still calling it a "RADIO CAPACITOR" but their footnote says "Suppresses Ignition System noise".
Noise on a wire can affect other items also. I do not know and cannot find any information on whether this is still used for radio reception noise or if it affects other devices.
Why do you want to get rid of it?
It is not hurting anything is it?

 

No, it's not hurting anything. It had some freyed wires and I couldn't get the connect plugs to release, so I just cut it off. I went to the Ford dealership and he ordered replacement part #F6UZ-18832-AA. It looks a little different, but he said it was functionally the same as the one that it replaces.

I'm going to have to get some butt connectors and manually wire it back in, as the female connector has been cut off.