I picked up a rebuilt rear axle/3rd a few weeks ago. However, it's missing the little dust-cover behind the d-shaft flange.

How difficult is it to remove the pinion nut, pull the flange & install one of these dust covers? Or should I even bother?

I just don't want to mess up anything by removing the flange to install the dust cover.

Thanks!

It is not difficult: Remove the big nut, swap flanges and torque it back down to 122-140 ft lbs. If it is a staked nut and not one with a cotter pin, you will need a new nut.

That's what I thought, but just wanted to make sure.

Thanks!

If you have a staked nut, make sure that you stake it with a stake punch. It is like a chisel with a 3mm wide flat tip. You will have to grind the lip of the nut to get it off, but it won't walk off by itself.