I strongly disagree, they put the pads there for a reason, the main one being, they keep the axle where it's supposed to be and they also reduce axle wrap on hard acceleration...take them out and stomp the gas, bet you feel and hear the difference. I know, my bird had lost the originals at some point and when I replaced them (with rubber) solved both problems. But I guess "problems" can be very subjective. I'd keep them.
I also have them in my car but there is a pin that lines up the leafs and the brackets. Most of the 1st and 2nd gen cars that have the suspension set up for heavy performance will take these out. And from what I have read they actually cause the rear end to rock under heavy acceleration. having the leafs and axle in one solid mount will give you less flex. Again I'm not arguing a point one way or the other. I myself would prefer to have them in, but as an option they can be removed.
