I have a 1993 dakota. 266,000 miles. It was a ranch truck driven mostly road miles to and from the ranch--then dirt roads. Granpa finally gave it up. It had set for 3 years not running. I had to replace the fuel pump to get it running now it runs good. I need to get it inspected and the emergency brake won't hold. The brake actually works--its just the ratchet mechanism to hold it doesn't seem to work. Any ideas where that mechanism sits? Is it under the dash or back under the truck. It is damn cold outside and before I spend an hour trying to find it I thought I would ask.
Ty

 

Sorry if I misunderstand but are you saying the pedal wont stay down? If so It would be easy enough to swap in a different one (in fact I have one in my spare parts bin) That part is fully under the dash and bolted to the wall under the kick panel by 3 nuts if i remember correctly.

Or are you saying that even when it's applied the brakes them self don't hold the truck? If so then your looking at pulling the drums and tightening up everything and replacing shoes.

 

wrxcarl, you understood correctly the pedal would not stay down--yet the brake held. It warmed above 20 today--I looked under the dash. Applied a little wd-40. worked it a little and it is working. The release hand was just kind of rusted and not moving freely. Thank you