does anyone know what these plates hanging down on my frame are?

 

From the looks of them I'd say a home for rust?

They aren't factory. Maybe something a previous owner bolted on, perhaps to aid in securing to a flatbed for towing?

 

i am planning on removing them, i bought the truck from my friend who bought it new and he never mentioned having them added. so off they come when the drop kit goes in

 

i have those too, i removed the one in front but havent gotten to the back one.

 

Maybe they were put on by the factory for the reason I stated, to help with shipping and limit sway on vehicles with taller suspensions like trucks. The dealers should have removed them during vehicle prep, but some either didn't or forgot.

 

that makes perfect sense. i'm going to do a 3/5 drop to get the truck down where a 2wd pavement pounder belongs

 

They are in fact tie down brackets for chaining them down during transport. They should have been removed at the dealership but apparently got overlooked. they don't serve any other valid purpose.