Front Dana 30 inner pinion bearing baffle

I am replacing the front diff and ring and pinion in my 77 Dana 30 front end. I bashed up the inner pinion bearing baffle (the baffle between the inner bearing cup and the housing) getting the old bearing race out. Does anyone know if this baffle is necessary? I dont see what it does. I find some reference to the baffle helping oil pool on the outer bearing baffle but there is a path cut in the housing under the pinion which would seem to just equalize oil level regardless of whether this baffle in installed or not. I would like to just leave it out and put shims in its place. My install kit did not come with one.
Jon