I noticed this rusted metal piece on the ground near my parking spot this afternoon when I went out for lunch. I am worried it may have fallen from the bottom of my truck. The car ran normally during my lunch hour but I wanted to see if anyone could make out what this piece might be. It was not directly underneath my car but it was close enough to cause concern. Thank you in advance!
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Looks like the bracket piece that holds a spare tire in place underneath a vehicle. If your spare is still there then it probably didn't come from your truck.
If your spare is supposed to be there but isnt and there is only a broken chain, then it probably did come from your truck.
100% what it is, not sure what manufactuer used a chain tho.
No manufacturer is my guess. Looks like the wire cable probably broke and some owner cobbled it back on with some too-small chain.
Probably why it ended up on the ground.
My 03 Hilux used a chain
This^ 100% no other answers are correct
Thank you all, I believe that is the case. Here is a picture of it currently with the spare still in place. Do we think I am okay to make it home like this? Still seems somewhat secure to me
https://preview.redd.it/yo8rem1nv08g1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4bf55ed15ccc7a05e84fc614d9058c98d92a2284
You're good. You can see in the center bore of the wheel that your bracket is still in place. That piece on the ground isnt yours.
It’s a Ford; your truck is returning to the earth from which it came.
Wow that's rusty, the day u need ur spare don't think u will be able to get that nut off as it's rusted on. Should address this.
Luckily I have AAA for emergency situations, but appreciate the heads up!
Yes but AAA will have a hell of a time getting it off at well. Should remove it snd clean nut n threads and put anti seize on it.
Usually, you can tilt it out.
Is that what holds the spare tire?
Yes
It once was used to hold spare tire in place