it has something to do with the cruise control

I doubt it, as it's not connected to anything under the cap. If you have a short cap like that, open and have a look.
The pic is of my 84 CD.

Attached Thumbnails

 

__________________
83 SD

84 CD

It was attached to something at some point. It broke off. The plastic on the bottom was attached to something. The "black plastic stuff" is broken. Also, the gray wire is worn thorough to bare wire in one spot.

The cruise control does not work, so now I wonder if it may have something to do with the cruise control?

The diff. ratio's on the 85 were different? How?

__________________
AJ

1985 300D (SOLD)

that has nothing to do w/ cruise. if you want to, you can remove the 2 bolts there and then the grey wire will come out of the holder, and can be disposed of.

85's have a 2.88 rear ratio, for lower highway rpm's.

__________________
1984 123.193 372,xxx miles, room for Seven.

1999 Dodge Durango Cummins 4BTAA 47RE 5k lb 4x4 getting 25+mpgs, room for Seven.

Thanks for the info.!

It does not make much sense to have it there if it is not doing anything. I'll take it out tomorrow.

__________________
AJ

1985 300D (SOLD)