Rear Drive Shaft - Loose Piece
 

I have recently noticed a noise in my rear drive shaft, I found the loose part (possibly a guard to keep debris out of rear diff) , and hoping this group can advise me with what I should do to fix. See picture.

What should I do?
- remove piece
- re-attach piece (but not sure how)

Does anyone know what this piece does? Any impact if I remove?


https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...8e6a6b4ee2.jpg


Thank you

Darren

That's the pinion seal, looks like someone was prying on it?

Correct. It looks like a rock peeled it off when I reversed. How should it attach to the rear diff? I can't really see any evidence of how it was originally attached.

Is it 100% needed?

8.25"?
http://www.4wd.com/hardparts/HP_PartList.aspx?hpDID=199
Not much choice but to replace it, part #7
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...3b24996e6a.jpg

Thank you