I bought a "fixer-uper". In general it is a truly dependable truck, engine and all (188,000 miles and runs like a champ!). Unfortunately I have to pass the NC safety inspection. My ranger is an '88, 4WD, 5 spd manual. My dilema is that the emergency brake pedal, when pushed, goes to the floor and does nothing. When I looked at the problem...well, How dificult is it to "re-install" an entire emergency brake cable system? I am waiting for my "Chilton's" to arrive in the mail but I can tell from the underside that it has not been working for some time since the cables were tied up with zip strips. How major of a project is this going to be and how difficult will it be? We do have two vehicles, but dropping down to one till I get this fixed isn't going to work. Help please!!!

 

Well, let me start by saying that I am unfamiliar with the 1988.

However, on my 98 I just had to replace the front cable - it is a three piece deal (Front/Left/Right), and a real pain the the rear end.

It is *definitely* a two person job. You will have to pull and hold tension on both the 'right' and 'left' cables from under the vehicle when you reconnect the rear of the 'front' cable to them.

The upper end is in the worst possible spot for us old fat guys (upside down under the dash).

In summary; It is not technically difficult, but it is logistically a real pain in the . . side.

. . . at least on the 98 4x4.
HTH.