Tie rods - washer necessary?

[jbonina@nectech.com]

     My tie rod lost it's nut this weekend. Scary....
     
     I believe the reason is because the 1/2" nylock nut couldn't tighten 
     down (or more precisely, up) far enough for the nylon to thread onto 
     the bolt. I replaced the missing nut but had to remove the THICK 
     washer above the nut. 
     
     Is this washer necessary; or do I need to find a nut with a shorter 
     profile?
     
     
     Thanks list,
     Jeff
     '73 TR6