Upper Ball Joint question

[21Again]

I'm replacing the upper ball joints on my 1981 Corvette and the new ones from Moog K6034 have this "housing" sent with. Does anyone know what it's for? No mention at all in the instructions.

 

[Hib Halverson]

It's the dust boot retainer.

 

[21Again]

Thanks Hib...

That's really the only thing it could be, but it really compresses the dust boot more than I feel is necessary, but on it goes! Thanks...