awg - in your situation, it's a toss up. I think your plan to throw it on and see how it goes (after checking the condition as advised) is your best bet.

In my case, I had intended to remove it assuming the bushings were bad and since it's unnecessary. However since my Dad was helping me (I use my parents' garage for jacking up vehicles since my driveway is dirt and I have no garage.) I floated the idea and my Dad was skeptical. (I know at nearly 40 I shouldn't care, but my Dad makes comments and "flak" and I figured it was easier to just keep it and if I want to, remove it in the future at home.)
So between that and the bushings being fine, I left it.

I drive 99% on-road and like the way the stock suspension works, so I feel like I'll just leave it until/unless I do more off roading than I do now.

 

Thx, swapped saggy rear springs with 2" lift springs, all new rear bushes, new and properly adjusted rear brake shoes & drums have made a big difference

I note the new shoes do not come with provision to fit the self-adjusting mechanism, (without adding a shaped & swaged pin)

my black Sports does not have the self-adjusting parts fitted!
my white Limited does (shoes are old,,,its my spare)