The thin plate or shim (whatever its called) that goes between the starter and the bellhousing... is it needed? Mine is toast and would prefer to just omit it all together. Not sure if this acts as a very thin spacer or gear shield or what so though I'd ask here first.

It's just a dust shield, no problem leaving it out but repops are available.

Cool, thanks for the quick reply. The truck doesn't even see rain let alone dirt roads so a dust shield is not needed