LT1 rear brake circular weight

What is the circular weight/counterweight thing on LT1 rear brakes used for? Is it ok to take it off?

The reason I ask is because I have LCA relocation brackets that come close to the weight things. I looked at my rear pads today and I have much more wear on the inner pads than the outer pads.

My theory is that the inner pads are wearing more because the caliper cannot move due to the weight/LCA bracket contact. Or is there another reason the inner pads would wear significantly faster?

For what it's worth, it's called a vibration dampener.

My LCA relocation brackets interferred with the dampeners; I ground off part of the weight to clear the brackets; brakes work fine.

I can't figure out how the damper would affect braking operation.

Thanks for the replies. I think I'll take the damper doo-hickeys off in a few weeks and see if I notice a difference one way or the other.