I just got a 1988 Toy pickup 4x4 sr5 extra cab with the 3.0 (I plan on dropping a 3.4 in it!) and the danged ebrake lever is stuck open. I can't pull it out and the handle just spins turning the shaft with the notches. I tried pushing the 2 tabs towards the firewall like you do to change the cable out by pushing the rod further out and the tab closest to the firewall doesn't move. Anyone know a trick to get the ebrake to pull out before I have to pull it out and either repair it or get one from Yoda Jim's?

And yes, I checked the cable and it moves in the housing and around the pulley. So it's not that. I think...

here is a picture I stole from another thread showing the 2 tabs that need to be pushed forward or away from the mounting bracket.
http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/...psc57a494b.jpg


Sorry if this is in the search. I tried it and everyone had the opposite problem where the ebrake was stuck on or closed not stuck open.

 

This is confusing!!

Your saying you are unable to pull the handle out??

Either the cable is seized or something is broke blocking the handle from coming out

Turning the handle from the normal position only allows it to be pushed in.

Since you just got this it is possible things are seized from being unused.

As the use of the emergency brake keeps the rear brakes adjusted .It is a good idea to get these things working

Have you tried disconnecting the cable at the intermediate lever to see if that frees things up??

 

I have disconnected the cable just in front of the gas tank on the frame and removed the whole assembly at once to make it easier to work on. Just a few clips and things that hold it on. Once it is out, you may need to soak the rod in PB Blaster as it can get rust on it and not operate. Atleast that way you can see what is holding it up easier and fix the problem.