Ok, now that makes sense. I wasn't sure if it was to keep the cable off the exhaust or shorten the cable but the new cable fit right without this thing. I have, maybe, 1/4" movement up or down when the cable is not "engaged" and hill tests worked perfect.
Some kid with a skateboard jumped on the truck while my nose was an inch from the exhaust. My "GET OFF THE TRUCK!" definitely scared him as I saw his shoes run real fast away.