Question About Rolled Steel Spacer on 1983 GMC C1500 Frame - Need Advice!

[balljp]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently in the process of painting the frame of my 1983 GMC C1500 2-Door Pickup (Fleet Side) Series C107(03). I decided to remove the 14041285 braces, which were riveted to the frame, in order to address some rust on the underside of the 14042339 Rear Spring Front Hangar Cross Member.

On the driver's side, there is a rolled steel spacer (or sleeve?) between the brace and the cross member, held captive by tangs on either end of the part. Interestingly, this part is absent on the passenger's side. I'm curious about its function and whether it should be present on both sides. It doesn't appear to be listed in any GM parts catalogs or service manuals. Please refer to the attached photo.


Thank you,

Joe