Advice on rear leaf support bracket removal

[poov71]

Please pardon me if my terminology is incorrect..The question is: Is the support bracket that rivets to frame and bolts to rear leaf hanger necessary? This bracket i directly in the way of mounting a receiver hitch. Im not necessarily wanting to cut a space in the hitch to allow for the bracket so im wanting to know if I can go without these brackets. The truck has an 8 leaf pack if that matters. No heavy towing will be done with the truck just a mower and other odds and ends. Thank you for your help