I've got 89 dakota 3.9 automatic just put new water pump and belts on it I notice there a bracket or thin plate bolts bottom of pump has a nipple off it like hose goes on it but nothing was there where I replaced pump can anyone tell me what it does if anything...I test drove it roars and seems like loss of power...had to floor it try pu speed....shifts does not slip

 

Post up a picture.
I will move this to the tech section.