Driveshaft bushing (89 200)

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Is the driveshaft bushing (6E5-45318-00-00) in the lower housing really mandatory?
Both my motors are missing them and seem to be no ill effects......

[boats.net]

They only used the bushing in 25 and 30 inch shaft models.

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I have 25 in shaft.

[boats.net]

I have have never tried it without bushing. I would put a new bushing in it.