clearing front frame rails

how much of the metal on the front frame rails can be cleared off, im talking upper control arm bump stops, and how the lower control arm mount/cross member mount wraps up onto the side of the frame, I already notched out that mount, and put a half piece of pipe in it, welded in to strengthen it for fear of weakening that to much, but my bag is rubbing on it still, so preferably I would like that area as bare as possible, also, because my bag was rubbing on it, I have this question, first, after this is cleared off, because the bag hasn't blown yet, is it safe at all to run it still until I can afford a new one? or is it a time bomb? im thinking its a time bomb, but im hoping I can still use it for the time being. its worn -to- the cords, not through them in a patch about 1 inch long by 1/4 inch high on the lower bulge, and it only sees about 110 psi max at any given time, its a 2500 lb firestone. sorry but I can't get any pics. thanks for any help