Is this bolt important / what is it.

A

 

You have 3 bolts circled.
The parts in question keep the front diff oriented correctly.
Ideally, you'd want them all in there.
If it is one of the outer bolts, make sure the other one stays tight.
If its the center one, I'd make sure the bushing stays put.

 

I’m ocd when it comes to bolts nuts and washers. Transmissions are not designed just to have a spare bolt there for no reason. Id be replacing it.

 

Thank you guys. I will be sourcing this part. Mechanic friend kept saying it’s not that important but he will replace it. That was 8 months ago and never has time to fix it. Onto just getting it done. Thank you for the input.

 

That isn't the transmission. That bracket holds the front diff in the frame. If it completely lets go in 4WD, the front diff may crash into the engine oil pan. Avoid 4WD until you get it fixed. (It should be safe to run in 2WD indefinitely.)

 

Thank you for that District 6ix. Luckily I have not switched into 4x4 since then and now I know I won’t until it’s fixed. Thank you!

 

Doesn’t sound like a very good tech/friend.

 

Ditto, especially if you had enough of a gut feeling to come in here and ask us even though he said it wasn’t needed.

 

Ah Yes, that entire bracket is extremely important. The front diff is held in place by 3 bolts. 2 in the front on the crossmember and 1 in the rear. That is the bracket for the rear nut. It's an oddly shaped long Allen head.

 

Why would you wait for this nitwit, Just replace it your self, unless you're not capable. I realize, we are not all mechanics.

 

Your friend it’s not a mechanic, it’s a parts changer. And it seems like he doesn’t want to struggle changing that part. Yes, part is important and yes, all the hardware need to be there for proper stress/torque distribution. Cheers my dude.