Oil Pan Leak-Reinforcement Girdle

[Ranger04]

Have a 2004 Ranger Edge 3.0 4WD.
Recently had to replace the engine with a crate engine.
Things went OK but after about 1.5 months, noticed an oil leak.
It's a slow drip-clearly coming from the oil pan.

The shop that did the engine work says that they forgot to replace and lost a part called an, "Oil Pan Reinforcement Girdle." It's supposedly a part that goes on the back of the oil pan to give the two bolts in that location more sealing pressure.

I've never heard of this, can't find it anywhere, the shop can't find one, Ford has no part number but the two Certified Master Mechanics swear they saw it and the shop says they will only continue their warranty if I allow them to have it fabricated and installed when they redo the oil pan gasket. I don't think the mechanics are liars. I think they are mistaken and the shop has me over a barrel-its their way or no way. I think it's a BS way of stalling having to redo the oil pan gasket.

Has anyone every heard of this part? Any constructive advice is appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Rearanger]

I can only guess that it's a reinforcement plate that stiffens the pan so that more even pressure is spread over the sealing area between the bolts. I've seen oil pans with these plates spot welded onto the pan.

Sounds like the shop is trying to do good to correct the problem.