You may choose to remove it on a lifted M1008. Keep in mind that the function of the valve is to reduce rear brake force by metering fluid pressure made by the master cylinder. The intent is to prevent rear brake lockup. Llfts and oversized tires tend to increase suspention travel and increase dive/ weight transfer on hard braking. These can reduce rear brake effectiveness in certain situations.
My first questions to you is whether you have the capacity to evaluate the vehicles braking performance in both its normal expected usage and panic situations on wet/slippery pavement?
If yes, you want to test with the vehicle with the lightest GVW and valve arm full up first.
Based on my experience with lifted big wheel Chevrolet trucks you want all the brake force you can get and its a bad thing when you are heading anywhere back end first with the PRNDL in D. YMMV.
If the above test reveals the braking performance is to your satisfaction. You can bust out the duct tape and bailing wire or follow the TSB.
#88-320-5: REAR BRAKE SENSITIVITY (HEIGHT SENSING VALVE REMOVAL) - (Aug 3, 198
Model and Year: 1984-86 C/K 30 SERIES 1987-88 R/V 30 SERIES
1984-1986 C/K 30 and 1987-1988 R/V 30 series trucks are equipped with a rear suspension height sensing device that optimizes the brake proportioning valve setting for the load the vehicle is carrying. The height sensing system adjusts the brake balance in vehicles subjected to a range of loading conditions.
Occasionally, vehicle modifications by body builders or owners influence the height sensing device. If a vehicle has had rear suspension modifications that affect its trim height or the spring rate, and the driver comments about the brake modulation characteristics of the vehicle, it is recommended that the height sensing system be removed and the brake system be revised as described below:
Parts listed below are currently available from GMSPO.
1. Detach rear brake hose from lever and bracket assembly. Reference Figure No. 1.
2. Remove lever assembly and bracket from axle.
3. Install rear brake hose bracket (P/N 34897
and spacer (P/N 2355099) with a 3/8-16 x 1.38 bolt (PIN 358000 - shorter bolt removed in Step No. 2) in the upper cover hole. Reference Figure No. 2. Use Loctite 75 or equivalent on the bolt threads.
4. Attach brake hose to bracket with bolt from original installation.
5. Install a 3/8-16 x 1-3/4 bolt (P/N 9439637 - longer bolt removed in Step No.2) through spacer P/N 14055556 (removed in Step No. 2) in remaining axle cover attaching hole. Use Loctite 75 on bolt threads or equivalent.
6. Disconnect brake pipes from height sensing valve and brake hose, and discard short brake pipe. Reference Figure No. 1.
7. Remove and discard height sensing valve, bracket, and bolts.
8. Carefully reposition the rear brake pipe, and connect it to the rear brake hose.
9. Bleed and test brake system per Section 5 of the appropriate Light Duty Service Manual.
General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.