Mystery part on 98 Escort ZX2

[patrussell]

I was planning to change the transmission filter and fluid in my 98 Escort tonight but ran into a small problem. There is a small steel block attached by rubber to a bracket in the center of the car (underneath) that is blocking some of the pan bolts. The Haynes manual does not show this and seems to indicate that there shouldn't be anything there. The bolt holding the bracket on is rusted pretty good and is currently soaking in Blaster until I try again in the morning.

Any thoughts/answers as to what this part is?

Thanks.

[jonmark1985]

could you post us a picture?

[patrussell]

Working on that...the batteries in my camera died.

[patrussell]

Here is a picture of the part in question.
Didn't have much room to move so it's a close up.

The bolt that holds it on is on the top side of the support frame and is frozen pretty good.

I'm beginning to think I may need to take this one in to get the fluid changed

[jonmark1985]

Boy I don't know, you may try running the picture by your Ford dealer...

[bkf77]

On the escorts I have worked on in the past, I have had to remove the cross-member which you showed a picture of. You will have to support the transmission when you remove the member.
I have not seen anything like what's in your picture. I had a 96 escort - same basic thing

[traceracer]

Well that sure looks interesting, almost like maybe its not stock, you say the nut that holds it on is on the top? so that appears to be a plug weld holding the stud?

[ajpletcher]

Just a guess, could that be a support for the tranny, for when you remove the cross member

[Drewmatic101]

I have a 99 zx2 and also changed the tranny oil and filter but have never seen that part.

[phantom_smack]

Never have seen that either,wow does it look ike if you remove the cross member it would come ou with it?