Are the rear shocks really needed with HD rear springs?

[Superman51]

Ok, I know that if the shocks were not needed, EZGO would have not put them on there. But, I replaced my rear springs with the heavy duty leaf spring. These bad boys have 4 leafs on each one and are stiff!!!!! I bought them to compensate for the extra torque that will be going to the rear wheels. I’m not so worried about the ride because the cart will mainly be used for hunting. With the shocks disconnected, my friend and I stood on the bumper and the cart did not sink. We have a combined weight of 600lbs. We then jumped in unison and the back end may have sunk ½ inch. I know that the springs will loosen up some but another friend has the same springs on his cart for a year now and they are still as stiff.

The reason I ask is I want to use the space over the motor and the shocks are really getting in the way. The shocks main purpose is to absorb impacts and make the ride smoother. If the springs are so stiff that the shocks cannot do their job, do I really need them?