Front axel mounted component, what is it?

[2000beast]

I have been cleaning up the under side of my Ram and I noticed a component mounted to the rear of the passenger side front axel. It looks pretty rusted up and the the harness retainer has fallen off and its little skid plate is in rough shape. I want to make sure it is not on it's way to failing, but I don't know what it does. Any experts out there?

 

[Travelin Ram]

Center axle disconnect AKA CAD.

Disconnects the outer stub shaft from the center section so the front differential and driveshaft stop turning in 2WD.