How structural (if at all) is this piece in the rear?

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by deathsled986

It's literally called the "rear support" in the parts diagram. It attaches to the body up top and the rear of the bottom plate at the bottom. It's handy to jack from. Is it tying the body together in any sort of way that would compromise handling if removed? Or is it simply to reinforce the bottom plate and help protect the back of the transaxle?

Yes all of the above, jacking point is under the other side of the aluminum plate where the steel brace is