2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Cowl to Fender Seal Replacement

Has anyone replaced the cowl-to-fender seal shown as No. 11 in this parts diagram?
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The replacement part is easily available for both sides and relatively inexpensive. I discovered that the right-hand seal had deteriorated and the lower part was coming out in chunks. Dead leaves and dirt had accumulated in the lower part of the fender. The left-hand seal was deteriorated, but intact. Sadly, it came out with a good tug.

I can't find any reference to the seal in the 1996 and 1998 TSMs, but it's in the MoPar parts list for 1998. Does the fender have to come off to replace it? And what horrible things happen if it doesn't get replaced?

 

This part is more or less a noise insulation to give you a nice ride. That's all.
So, nothing bad happens without it.

 

Thanks, Oz. I was hoping that it was noise reduction rather than water intrusion prevention. Replacing them was low on my priority list. But they are on the bottom of my list now.

Restoring a truck is exhausting. I can see why people give up and buy a new one.

 

Sometimes they are even counter productive as they tend to collect dirt and especially humidity and create a nice environment for rust to grow. I think I even took the once out on my friends 98.5 when I did the rust protection measures 3 years ago.