They are alignment shims and yes they need to go back exactly as they come out. I use a very long pry bar to push the lower A arm down low enough to get the bottom strut bolt in; it will take two people on some trucks. I have done 5 of these lifts and never had to remove an A arm to reassemble. Get back with me if ya have any more problems.

John Luttrell
2001 4x4 short cab, 3 inch lift with 33 inch mudders and Powertrax no-slip in the rear


1991 Jeep YJ, 4 inch suspension lift on 33" BFG's