Brake pad replacement

Do I need to continue using these plates when replacing pads? I've been stacking them on each pad for the last several pad replacements and not sure if it's necessary.

 

normally if they're not included with the new one's, i don't include them.

 

I bought the advics pads, I washed the factory O.E. shims in the parts washer, removed the new advics shims, installed the O.E. advics shims and called it a day.

Stops exactly the same, and makes no noise. 97,000 miles and still 1 mm from the squealers on factory orginal. I guess I will worry about them in another 97k

 

I used a set of Raybesto's Element 3 Hybrid pads on a previous Tacoma and they did not come with any extra shims. No adverse affects or noises.