Valve rocker supports

[plymouthcranbrook]

Can anyone tell me the purpose of the supports for lack of a better term that are installed on the 4.9 liter engine on the rocker arms? They seem to be a support for the rockers so they don't slip off the pushrods but I am not sure. We broke two of them putting them back on after replacing an intake manifold gasket and were wondering if they are really important or? Thanks in advance.

[Antiburn]

Pictures would work wonders.