i want to take out the spare tire mount but it looks like a some what serious hunk of steel which is attached to the frame. is it any kinda support for the frame? can i just take it out?

98 dakota R/t

I'm not sure what yours looks like. However, if it's just bolted in, take it out. I took the one out of my '95 years ago.

just take a cut off wheel to it, no problems will arise