Dealer recall modification

[NJM73]

Finally found a problem I haven't been able to find an answer to on here. I have a 71 suburban 4x4, its originally a half ton. When my grandpa had it there was a dealer recall and the welded a plate on the front spring hanger and then bolted and angle back behind the front spring shackle as a limiter to keep it from over compressing. Both of these mods are only on the drivers side. When my dad and I re did the front suspension lift the front plate got cut off. While measuring for shocks today and testing suspension travel we got in a discussion of the importance of these "mods." My question is what were these for and how vital are they. We made the assumption that they were to relieve stress on the steering box. We put a brace on there awhile ago and are wondering if the shackle limiter can be removed now