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!