I know they are used as a spacer also I think. But I am wondering if it's a good idea to not use them and just use liquid gasket instead.
You can't delete those gaskets, they provide clearance for the bell end of the axle tube. Without them the axle tube will bind and not be able to articulate.
Likely the sheet metal flange is distorted at each bolt hole from someone overtightening the nuts. I recommend trying to flatten these areas first. Then after you mock up the gasket stack to find the minimum amount of gaskets that provide free movement, take it all apart and use your favourite sealant on both sides of each gasket. Then make sure you stick to the factory torque spec on the nuts.
