87 Syncro passenger van

I am replacing the starter, major PITA in a Syncro.  My new starter from
Vanagain came with a new bushing and a bright orange note stating that the
bushing should be replaced before the new starter is installed.  I would
rather not since it would make the jop an even bigger PITA... Anybody out
there ever replace their starter without replacing this bushing?

thanks,
Jake