Removing leafs -> Bracket on the leafs???

So Im going to be removing the middle 2 leafs on the rear but I was wondering what have you guys done with that bracket that holds them together? I believe the emergency brake is attached to it also.
im going to try to take a pic today to let you know what ima talking about...

i just unbolted it and bent the bracket back with a pry bar and put it all back together and is never gave me a prob for 6 years

i just pryed mine back also, only on my nissan. problem free so far....almost 3 years