I have a 88' S-10 Blazer 2.8 Fi Auto.

The starter spins but doesn't engage the flywheel. When I was undoing the bolts that secure it to the engine a shim just fell out on top of me. Is this normal because as soon as it fell I immediatly thought that was the problem. I've been doing some reading in the forums and from what I understand is that the starter does not come from the factory with shims. I know that my Dad has had the starter out before so they were probably added then.

So I'm wondering, If I bolt it back up would it damage anything to try to crank it without the shim?

Id rather not take the damn thing out and rebuild it if it doesn't need to be.
Thanks!

EDIT: If I did need to take it out, what is the easiest way to do so? My Haynes manual says to remove the Cross member but I've heard of other people doing it easier ways.