Parking Brake
New User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Parking Brake
We have a '77 F150 with a 460 that we had to get saftied and certified, so we did the cables and more to get it to pass. Far as the brake cables go, we picked them up at our local parts store, and proceeded to do the job ourselves. The brake drums have to be removed, which was the hardest part since they were seized on. We use a three jaw puller, lots of penetrating oil, and a big hammer. We replaced the drums anyways, so it didn't matter if we broke them. Then we just unhooked the brake cable from the actuator by slipping it out, and used vise grips on the cable to bend the tabs in to remove from the backing plate. Do the same thing to remove the cables on the frame, and they will slip out from the actuator easily to. Then install the new cables and adjust the rod to get the proper park brake pedal height. The one to the cab was fine, and usually never gives problems. Pretty easy to do, the worst is removing the drums.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
Parking Brake
I have a '79 f-100 and I removed everything including the pedal and bracketry and threw it all away. I installed a hydraulic brake lock. Just press the brake and turn the valve. Very simple to install and very effective since I used it on the front brakes.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,686
Likes: 1
From: Racine WI
Parking Brake
yeah, mico brake lock is way better than factory parking brake and you can get a solenoid operated one where you just flip a toggle switch and the brakes will stay locked or a lever lock where you hold the brakes and flip the lever, free literature here http://www.mico.com
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 248
Likes: 2
Parking Brake
Heres a easy painless way to remove the retainer on the rear brake backing plate for the parking brake cable..
Use a small hose clamp and tighten it down, it'll compress the tabs, you can slide it out without any problems then. Trust me, it's even easier and faster than using a Sawzall on it!
Use a small hose clamp and tighten it down, it'll compress the tabs, you can slide it out without any problems then. Trust me, it's even easier and faster than using a Sawzall on it!
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 574
Likes: 0
From: New England
Parking Brake
I replaced the cables on my 77 f150 400 to pass inspection also, I dont htink I would trust a line lock to hold my pick up at the boat ramp or at work..
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 248
Likes: 2
Parking Brake
I'd trust a line lock way before I'd trust an old parking brake.. I don't think theres any chance of a line-lock freezing up, they don't go out of adjustment. If you get the key-lockable ones, they also work pretty good as theft-stoppers.. Well, for the vehicle anyways, not gunna help whatever's inside.
matt
matt
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,686
Likes: 1
From: Racine WI
Parking Brake
you trust up to your 2 rear wheels where there is no weight to hold your truck but you wouldnt trust the heavier half of your truck to hold it huh ? do you trust your brakes lines to stop you or your parking brake ?
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 248
Likes: 2
Parking Brake
Uhh, who ya talkin to otto? I'd trust a line lock as a parking brake first.. Granted it's probably a good idea to have an e-brake for, you know, emergency's, but as a parking brake a line lock would work better. (on the front, the rear, or all 4 wheels.)