just read through this entire thread, we feel for you for sure, if it helps you out, sometimes we come down to ottawa to hit princess auto( no P.A. in quebec) we could stop by and do the work for you ( we even have pieces that fit,torque con., flex plate,etc...) and lock tight...p.s. we even have a torque wrench...LOL as for your inspection cover... is your truck a 4x4? if so that cover along with the 2 rods are very important and structural, and it is not recommended to run without them....