Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Parking brake woes

[DMoon]

Just had my truck in for an emergency brake adjustment. I was launching my boat last week end and went to apply the E-brake and ... ... ... no brakes. No problem, put the wheel chock behind the rear wheel and went about putting the boat in. Note to self, get the e-brake looked at so... ... . got a call from the mechanic (I don't have the time to wrench on mine now a days with work and travel) and he says, "Bad news..... the rear driver's side drum is shot as well as both sets of rear shoes. Looks like you may have left the e-brake engaged one time and ... ... . well with that diesel it didn't even know the difference. " Long story short, new brakes, new drums, new cable(s) and $500 bucks later.

Is there an easy fix for this stupid parking brake. The current system sucks, you don't even know the damned thing is on. I can see myself doing this again. Also, seems the new cable has streched somewhat and I need to adjust them. What's the easy way to do this?

 

[B.G. Smith]

The E-brake is adjusted by shortening the cable, the adjustment is near the rear of the cab where the cable from the foot pedal ties to the two cables to the rear wheels. I would adjust the rear wheel brakes first and see if that gives you enough E-brake. bg