Found a loose hose hanging behind the lower control arm, can anyone identify it?

[MyExplorer03v8Lim]

I'm totally perplexed. I got under the vehicle to inspect the tie rod ends (bad news, they're gone), and I saw this random hose hanging there. It had some type of plug in it, but still, it looked out of place. So I gave it a little tug and found it to be totally free. Just dumb luck that I didn't leave it on the street.

So without further ado, here are the images of the mystery hose: http://imgur.com/a/HFxIu

Truck is running fine, so it's just extra parts, right guys?! Seriously though, if anyone can help me ID it, I'll be really grateful. Thanks explorers!

 

[drdoom]

Could it be the differential vent?

 

[drdoom]

You had better get it hooked up, and change out the gear oil in case water has contaminated it.

 

[MyExplorer03v8Lim]

Could it be the differential vent?

It could easily be the differential vent. Didnt know about this part, time to hit the google.

You had better get it hooked up, and change out the gear oil in case water has contaminated it.

Change out the gear oil?! That sounds like fun! I'll get on that asap, it's going to be my first time.

By the way, Ive noticed that the front driveshaft has rotational play separate from the u joint, which feels solid. I can rotate the shaft maybe 1/16 to 1/8 of a turn before it engages. Whereas the rear driveshaft has no play in any axis. I have searched extensively on this, but im unable to determine if this is normal operation. I assume its not, but i havent dropped it out yet.

 

[imp]

It could easily be the differential vent. Didnt know about this part, time to hit the google.



Change out the gear oil?! That sounds like fun! I'll get on that asap, it's going to be my first time.

By the way, Ive noticed that the front driveshaft has rotational play separate from the u joint, which feels solid. I can rotate the shaft maybe 1/16 to 1/8 of a turn before it engages. Whereas the rear driveshaft has no play in any axis. I have searched extensively on this, but im unable to determine if this is normal operation. I assume its not, but i havent dropped it out yet.

@MyExplorer03v8Lim
It is likely you are feeling the play in the differential gears and spiders. Sometimes it can feel like a lot. But 1/8 of a turn is certainly excessive. I would re-check that estimate. If you lower the front U-joint down and rotate the yoke on the front center section, if you find that same rotational effect, yer likely OK. imp