2002 4.0 SOHC Intake Manifold Sound Deadening Insert

[tp4pdb]

I am in the process of removing and replacing the intake manifold and valve cover gaskets on my 2002 Explorer XLS 4.0 V6. In order to clean the area under the intake manifold I have to remove the disintegrated foam insert installed at the factory. I was not planning on replacing the insert with a new one because I have come to find out replacement ones are not available. It's not even shown in the factory manual published in May 2001.

Should I expect to have problems once this insert is removed? Or is the fact that it's ignored means I have nothing to worry about other than maybe more engine noise?

Thanks

tp4pdb

 

[boominXplorer]

Throw it in the trash and move on. It'll be just fine