I just bought my truck (2003 Dakota Quad Cab, SLT, 4.7 V8) and it came with a broken drivers side E Brake cable, I replaced the cable and my E brake still didn't work at all, then I tightened up the wire as much as I could and it didn't change at all.

It doesn't seem like it's the brake pedal, it seems to work fine, what else could be causing my problem?

 

could be rusted or something?

 

Verify that the cable is moving forward when you engage the parking brake. If it is, than its possible something is broke/disconnected in the brake assembly. Pad could also be wore down, might be able to get by by adjusting it or might have to replace the pad.

 

Is it seized? Chances are it was hardly used by the previous owner.

 

Just inspected the drums on the rear of the truck, the pads were completely gone on 'em. Guess that solves my problem.