Good Update: putting undamaged bracket on driver side seems to have solved the issue. So just waiting on replacement to arrive.
Bad Update: since I already have everything disassembled, I wanted replace hub assembly same as I did on driver side. Guess it was a mistake to think it would go as smoothly. Once axle nut is torqued to spec, wheel locks up after about 3/4 turn (forward or back, doesn't matter) and takes good bit of force to get full rotation. Replacement for it being possibly defective is being sent, but wanted to check if there could be another cause? I checked out the u-joints and there is no play in those.
I believe it is hub assembly because I can feel a click (no sound) with slight grind and almost feels like it 'slips' when I finally get it past where its locked up. Fingers crossed.
Sorry for all the questions but I've found myself getting into the realm of maintenance or work that I've not ventured before
but wanting to learn... nobody ever tells you how boring working from home can be and need a hobby lol