when installing the rear struts there seems to be alittle bit of a gap between the rear lower control arm and the strut fork. I was wondering if washers were needed to fill the gap because it seems that when tightening the lower bolt up, it might bend the end of the fork. Is this gap normal? its only about as thick as a nickel. Sorry if i did a bad job explaining. Thanks

 

I would imagine that either washers or tightening the bolt down would have the same effect. I would probably go with the washer, couldn't hurt.