Was removing the dash and it just fell out from somewhere. What is it, where does it go, and is it necessary?

 

What are you working on? We can't see your truck through the Internet.

Can you read the part number on it? If so, please post it. I can't read it in the pic but I can see that there is one.

 

Sorry... thought my truck info showed up in my profile under my name. It's a '98 F-150 base model, 2WD 4.2L

I'll try to decipher the PN or take a closer pic when I get back out there.

 

any scale for reference?

looks like maybe a vacuum cap? Part of a blend door actuator maybe? totally guessing here......

 

 

Yep! this vid shows the correct answer.... nice fairlaner!

Check around the 3:40 mark or so:

 

Awesome! Thanks gentlemen

 

I've found that part in a bunch of ford trucks! Haha

 

Mine had the clips pretty tweaked on it as well and I took it as an indication that someone had gone after the heater core at least once?

 

I got this truck in a trade a couple of weeks ago and have been working on little things, and getting it back into road shape. As with most 20-yr old vehicles, it's obvious that it's had an "interesting" life. The sway bar was disconnected (still in place, just no end links... just two long, loose hardware bolts with no spacers or bushings at all). Shocks were trashed, dash broken, etc. The wiring was a mess. Someone had at some point installed an aftermarket alarm, but either never hooked it up completely, or partially removed it. The aftermarket key fob didn't work, but the siren was still installed and wired up...but not to any sensors. And the factory alarm still worked. It made troubleshooting a never-ending alarm going off a fun challenge.

After a little TLC, it's actually a nice little truck. Just replaced all the shocks, end links, rear spring hangers (lowering), coil/plugs/wires, dash panel, instrument cluster lights, headlights, and broken gear selector/boot. Complete front/rear brake job is next.

 

Sounds like the previous owner was getting it ready for the next stop of a junk yard...

As they say it: One man's junk is another man's treasure.