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You should be fine up to 2000 lbs or so with the standard springs if the load is reasonably distributed. You can go more it will just drag its tail. I think the overloads are helpful in the 2000-3000+ lb load range.
the light duty helwigs claim 1000lbs extra, the heavier ones claim 2500lbs extra. you would have to have more than a ton in the box to really "need" them.
as for removing them, i'd consider trying to just remove the u bolts at the ends of the over loads and leave the leafs attached to the axle. this would give you the option to hook them back up if you thought you were going to need them. and give you the chance to decide if it is worth messing with.
it will ride better unloaded with out them, but it may ride better loaded with them, especially if it is loaded heavy.
this summer i had 7500 lbs on the hitch plus 1100 in the bed and it actually rode pretty nice. but empty, it will make your kidneys hurt.