Yeah you can take it out. Especially if you're planning on a light flatbed. But you will definitely get more axle wrap. Two options to cure that: 1. Traction bar 2. anti-wrap (half) leaf.
Sounds like i should keep the overloads in. The ride might be stiffer, but that's better than a ton of axle wrap. Here's a question: If i decide to run a traction bar, will it make a difference if i run the springs with or without the overload leaf?