the line I was talking about is on the back side of the service brake diaphram. these play no role in the maxi/parking brake.
turns out they are plumbed this way for a remote vent according to another member who owns a M939 truck. this makes sense to me. so one more question put to rest.
Now i need to sort out what dash valves will work with the axle relay valves. the bendix book only listed 2 that they say will work with this particular relay valve. not sure why yet but Im looking into it.
the good news is-- the relay valves do work even after sitting for a few years. and they are still available thru heavy truck parts suppliers for about $100 if needed.
No pics yet as i seem to have misplaced my patch cord for my camera.
I did however find a photo of an service brake can like im working with.
this is on a trailer axle but is the same type.
you can see the fittings with the blue plugs in them.