O, I've seen that on a bunch of different packings. I don't know if it's correct, I'm sure someone on here will, but as long as it's a pressure balance style packing and you're not doing a split packing or using round rod it shouldn't be an issue. Once the packing is in and the system pressurizes even in the down direction their will be enough pressure to keep those seals from moving up and down in the stuffing box. On a few jobs I've had where the gap was large I've left the old lanter/ bearing in or used it as a spacer. I don't recommend doing that but just saying it can be done.
