Upper/Lower shock bushing affects suspension?

[koop21]

I have a set of new suspension coming in soon, I was wondering does the Upper and Lower shock bushing (the bits of rubber that sits between the shock mount) affect handling? And in what why? I would assume bad bushings would affect NVH, but not enough to notice them on brand new set of shocks?

Also if anyone knows the part numbers/price to them please post! I will be replacing them pending on the response i get .

Heres a picture if your not sure what im on about. The little black circle things.

*picture stole from FM*