Washers under conrod bolts?

[a Wallace <wallaces@superaje.com>]

I'm plugging away at my 3a engine rebuild, and keep getting delayed by 
minor parts shortages.
So - when bolting the big ends on the conrods, do you really need those 
flat bend-the-tab-against-the-bolt-head washers? It seems like you rarely 
see those anymore - is blue loctite the modern replacement, he asks, hopefully?
I did think of lock washers but they seem to be too thick i.e. there'd be 
less thread engaged if I go that way.
Thanks,
Jim
TS81417L