My question is I have a 2006 xlt and the left front auto locking hub needs to be replaced. When you look at it there appears to be a small cap in the middle but i think it is the axle end. So how do you remove the plate to get to the nut holding the axle on?

 

Yes, that cap is just the dust cover for the wheel end nut. Holds the CV shaft. Mine was pretty rusty so I just sprayed some PB Blaster on it and used a screwdriver and hammer to pry it off.