Bracket Function (1 Viewer)

[Rimmeh]

Wrapping up a clutch replacement and wondering the purpose of a really stout triangular sheet metal bracket between the transmission and the exhaust pipe. The transmission side picks up the two large drivers side bolts attaching transmission to the block and the exhaust pipe end picks up a clamp around the pipe like a hanger. It seems way overkill for just an exhaust hanger especially since there is less flexible body structure closer to the pipe. Is it just an exhaust hanger and is it critical in that it moves slightly with the engine to reduce bending stress to the header and exhaust manifold?
Thanks-
Jeff

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

I'm going with #2. not utilizing this on my 55 helped to never maintain the downpipe seal before I went to duals...Hmmm. what's that tell me? Thanks for helping me figure that out! I was just thinking about this earlier today looking under a junkyard rig...