I've got a 97 dodge ram 1500 with the 5.2. Since I've had it the parking brake has never worked, you can feel the pedal clicking but it won't hold when you press it. You can also see the cable underneath the truck move but the cables that branch off to each rear wheel are rusted and seized up. What replacements do I need? Or should I go ahead and replace the whole cable just in case?

 

Crawl under there, and see what all ya got. The rears will likely have to be replaced.... as for the rest, if you can save it, go for it, if not, replace it.

 

Also the pedal is a counter-intuitive ratchet design. It doesn't stay down. You may be able to mash it a second time, but seized cables are seized cables.

If they are moving there's an adjuster under the driver along the outside of framerail you can tighten down. Clean and lube the threads first. If you're in the rust belt, you'll probably need a new one.

Don't cheap out on cables and/or read reviews where possible. Aftermarket often fits poorly.