mine rusted away, mostly gone...how important is this plate? what should I do? thanks

 

It's only real function is to keep some of the water off the brakes when driving in rain. It's also complicated to replace, you have to take the hub and bearings apart. So I would say leave it like it is.

 

i have to change the driver side axle at some point...boot is ripped. would that be a good time to replace or still too complicated.? I think I will ask the mechanic guys at the junkyard to change the axle...I don't have air tools...