Rear Yoke flange / cover

I have the Chrysler rear end in the XJ. It's a 93. The rear yoke has a metal ring that looks like it should be press fit. The ring flares out like a flange and it looks like a shield for the yoke seal. Mine has come loose and it spins. Now, when it spins and rubs on the differential or spins slower than the yoke, t makes an annoying tinny grinding noise. Does it serve an important function or can I just cut it off?

Cut it off. Not all years came with one,so it must not have been that important.
Wayne