Bellcrank shim question

[strangersinspace]

I have an aluminum bellcrank set that is essentially identical to the current world's car reissue bellcrank set minus the little shims that go under the assembly next to the chassis. I'm trying to figure out what those shims are actually for and if I would even need them. Do they stabilize the steering and keep it from being sloppy... or is it just to raise it up off the chassis a smidge? Trying to figure out if I even need them and if I do, I wonder if I could just use a washer or something...

My aluminum set looks pretty much identical to this (without the shims): http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&W=001191139&I=LXEDYT&P=K

My aluminum set is still in the package but I bought it here from a guy (don't remember his name right now.... KONA or something like that) here on the forums a few years back. Its a gold anodized set.

[SiRacer420]

I could be wrong but I think the purpose is two fold. One, to lift it up a bit so noting scrapes and two, so the whole assembly moves more freely. If you have a washer that fits, I would use it.