Removing clutch pedal

[vardenafil]

I just picked up a 72 k20 truck. The PO converted the truck from manual to automatic transmission. The truck currently has a 700r4 transmission. Where the stick shift would normally be there is a Lokar shift kit. Inside the cab the clutch pedal is still there. I was thinking of removing it as it serves no purpose. However the clutch pedal still seems to be hooked up to something. the clutch pedal is on the floor if i try to pick up the pedal there is extreme resistance. almost like there is a vacuum from hydraulic fluid. Can I remove the clutch assembly? Or is this needed by other systems in the truck?