this thing is kinda bulky and getting in the way of my mlv layer properly seating. this is the factory crossover right? if I am not using the factory speaker harness I can safely cut it and tape off the wires right?

There's no crossover, just a split in the wiring. The factory tweeter uses a capacitor to block lower frequencies. If that only goes to the tweeter location and to the stock speaker harness, then go ahead and remove it. Worst case, you solder it back in place later.

yeah. thats why said "crossover" lol. cool thanks