It is a provision for a chain dampner, but you dont have to have it.

 

Would be perfectly fine with out one.

All the early blocks may have been done one 1 way in the begining untill they sorted out the details. I have never seen them on any of the 6.0's have taken apart. All were 01 up though so that may be why.

 

my 07 lq4 did not have a damper, just a loose chain but i guess they are supposed to be loose....