center bearing protector thing?

[Timmmy]

Hi All

Does anyone know if the strange bolt on  member that protects the center
propshaft bearing on a 5KTQ does anyhting other than protect the bearing
(like chassis stiffening, seat mounting supports etc - I have not had a
chance to check yet)

In building my 3" exhaust without it on, I managed to put a flange right
where this thing goes. So the flange hits it. I have modified the cross
brace thing, but its pretty ugly, so I was wondering if I really need it,
or if I can just fabricate a smaller unit from scratch to act as the
bearing protector? Or should I just ignore it?

heres a picture of the flange in the wrong place (I knew I was ding it too
- oh well, it was the best place for the flange)

http://thepointoforgasm.com/gallery/Audi-5KTQS/alh

or

http://thepointoforgasm.com/gallery/Audi-5KTQS/ank

Any ideas?

timmy