I think Im going to try my luck without it. Ive found on R3Vlimite.com that the E30 guys have been doing without the dampers, although it's a different design. I figure if I have problems without it, I can put it back it, that's not a problem.

The pictures didnt come out too good. On side, the rubber looks intact, the other side it looks chewed up. I can push the inner piece in and out by hand axially, but cannot twist it radially.

We'll see.