by m3a1 » January 11th, 2017, 4:38 pm
I'm guessing but the spacers were probably only recommended to allow for overlap on the body panels and as with many things, along the way someone decided it was unnecessary given the conditions, expected hard use and projected life span of the vehicle, not to mention time saved and having an equally satisfactory job with or without spacers. Write all the doctrine you want and the mechanics will continue to quietly go their own way on such matters.
Take for example the mid-production Ford Taurus. Tech says, in order to R&R the ignition coil one must remove the entire intake manifold! The book time on the job is astronomical and it is total BS, of course. The coil is centrally located atop the rear of the engine and quite close to the cabin firewall. It is very hard to see but one only needs to reach around behind the intake manifold and undo the mounting bolts on either side that are easily accessible. Quite a simple job but one that must be done by feel alone. Follow the book and you'd be wishing you didn't.
So when it comes to Tech, I appreciate it's value but you'll often find I'm a fellow from Missouri.