re-inforce it using a custom crossmember/bumper and you can make it stronger then stock.
Is it a long bed? Doing this to a short bed really wont gain a lot of departure angle.
Oh, don't listen to Eagle, he don't know MJ's make great wheeling rigs.
I just went out and looked under my MJ and I think JnJ's right - go with a heavy duty bumper/crossmember and you should be good. Are you thinking about cutting the bed or just removing it?