Every MoPar I've had with these style parking brake levers have frozen and rendered the parking brakes non-operable. So the new me (sort of, I'm still working through Previous Owner blunders) 04 2500 has the same locked up levers. But by now, I've become pretty good at getting these done. On the 1500s you have to pull the axles to remove the levers. I was really happy when I found I didn't have to pull the hub/axle on this truck.

For those new to the fun job of fixing this issue, here are a couple tips:

Typically, the cable is ok and you don't need to replace it. But removing the cable without destroying its mounting tabs is always fun with those locking fingers. Trick I've come to use, is to use a small stainless steel clamp spaced about 1/8 of an inch away from bracket to pull down those fingers so they slip right out of the bracket.

Once you get the lever out, soak it with penetrating oil and mount it in a vice. Then start tapping the lever back and forth through the full range, until it gets sloppy easy to move back and forth. I have a blast cabinet, so I always media blast it clean and paint it so it'll last a while. I usually give it lots of anti seize to ensure it doesn't happen again - but I'm thinking of trying sil-glyde instead this time.

Dorman makes a pair of these, complete with boots, for a reasonable price when compared to the dealer price. RockAuto has the best price, check them out. I can get them cleaned and painted in less time that the time it takes to get new levers, so I have yet to buy a set.


BEFORE

Cleaned and Painted (on right).

 

The best way to stop the parking brake from freezing is to use it often. Occasional use will cause issues after a while.

 

I use mine all of the time. 1, to keep it moving and 2, I have remote start on my 08 and it's a safety thing for when I use it.