Brake pad part

[RHanna]

Changing the pads and rotors on my rockjock dana 60 I contacted Currie before ordering. They told me to order for a 1996 explorer and that's what I used to order from rockauto.
The rotors seem to fit correctly and the pads look correct but this 3 prong on the back of the pad that goes into the caliper is massively larger than the one I removed.
Does anyone know the name of that part or why they wouldn't be the same size? Is it critical to have that piece or can I just cut it off?

I guess my next step is to go to a local auto store and see what they have available, it's just they seem to have only the store brand pads in store.

 

[RHanna]

After doing a little bit of research it looks like the pads are from 2003 explorer and the caliper piston on a 2003 explorer looks similar to what I have on my jeep.
The problem is I think the rotors match exactly for the 1996 explorer and the pads and calipers are from 2003 explorer. Not confusing at all. Not much difference other than the 2003 rotors are nearly 1/2 inch wider.