Sounds like good logic to me. Why not just a shorter bolt then?
you mean elimnate the spacer and just use a shorter bolt? as you can see the bolt is just long enough to use with the spacer. Im thinking there is a reason for the spacer to be included in the kit. It keeps the bolt from moving up and down, side to side in the gusset hole...gives it quite a bit more lateral strength...marlin wouldnt have included it if it didnt have a purpose. Im probably way overanalyzing this...part of my obsessive compulsive disorder i suppose
joking joking