Removing upper intake

[smokin5.0]

Just wondering if someone could fill me on on what the metal rod is that attaches to one of the rear intake manifold bolts near the firewall. I loosened the intake off a bit to give me some play to install a new vacuum line that was broken and I'm kinda having issues with it. It seems ok and is functioning, but I'm not happy with it and wondering how I can fix it as its not quite attached properly. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks