Trailer brake unit on 72 Suburban

[72WiscSub]

The suburban I just bought has what looks like a original trailer brake unit mounted under the steering wheel on the bottom of the dash. Rectangle box with a control lever coming out the left side. Can I get rid of this? I do not plan on towing anything with the truck.

Also can this effect the brakes? I am new to the truck but it seems as though the brakes don't seem right. When I push on the brake pedal it seems firm, but it seems like I have to put a lot of pressure on the pedal to get the brakes to engage. If I had to slam on the brakes there is no way I would stop on a dime or even close to it. I really don't think I could lock up the brakes if I tried. The guy I bought it from said all the brake pads were still good shape with atleast half the pads yet. Front disc, rear drum.

Is this unit causing this? I am learning as I go and wanted to run this by some of you smart guys.

Thanks I am sure I'll be asking a lot more questions!

[BADSAM]

Take a pic of the tubing going to the master cylinder, (or look at it), this is where the unit typically hooked up to. Usually there is tee in the line, you could just disconnect it. Plan on bleeding your brakes.

As far as is it the cause? who knows, if that line is leaking possibly. Could be a bad wheel cylinder, system might just need to be bleed, or if he never adjusted the brakes after installing the pads that might be your issue.

If it were me, I'd check for leaks (incl rear wheel cylinders), adjust the pads, and then bleed the system if problem persisted? For starters.

[72WiscSub]

Thanks for the advice. I think I will have the entire system checked out and have new parts put on.

I guess when it comes to stopping, better to be safe then sorry.