So i had to replace my drivers side axle. On the old on theres a peice of metal wraped around the center of the axle. On the new one there isn't. Do i need to swap these over? heres a pic of it:

Yes, that axle you have in the picture is either a 95-96. That rubber damper was no longer used after 96 and all 97+ no longer had it. You will be fine without it.

Terry