Tired of 2nd gen under-dash pull-handle E-brake.

Did some searching but didn't find any threads on this --

I don't like the dashboard-type pull-handle E-brake in my 2nd gen.

Is it possible to retrofit a 3rd gen transmission-tunnel-mounted E-brake lever to a late 2nd gen 6 sp MT? If so, how much work is involved?

 

Interesting I think where it's at is a genius spot for it, I always miss it when I get in another M/T vehicle.
I'm sure it could be done but it would likely require extensive modification of the center console.

 

I like the hand-operated e-brake on my Gen 1 (which is just about the same as on our family's 1981 Pickup). My 2015 Gen 2 has the left-foot-operated on-off e-brake like all the later Gen 2s. I'd rather have the hand brake, but it is what it is.

I'll bet you'd have an easier chance to convert to the foot-operated Gen 2 kind than the center-tunnel handbrake of the Gen 3. The tunnel-mounted one seems like it would be one helluva project to do.

 

2nd gens have a foot operated parking brake on Automatic Transmission models and a T handle on the dash on Manual Transmission models so yea converting to the foot operated one would likely be much easier.

 

Ah -- M/T v A/T -- so that's the difference! I don't think I've ever been in a manual Gen 2, but I thought earlier automatics also had the handbrake. Now I know!

 

That's kind of what I figured. You'd have to cut everything up & figure out a secure mount for it & re-do the cable runs etc etc.

I just don't like the under-dash one compared to either the foot pedal or the center-tunnel style. I've always felt the ratchety-clicky positive-engagement feel in the under-dash pull handle to be very wimpy compared to the solid ratchet feel of either center tunnel or foot pedal.

I do a fair amt of firewood harvesting on forest roads that are steep. Frequently use the e-brake to hold the vehicle. I just don't have time to continually place & remove a wheel chock every time I'm in & out of the vehicle. I do make sure to point the front wheels towards the slope & leave it in gear at least.

Are there any known weak points in the 2nd gen under-dash MT pull-hand ebrake? Should I consider upgrading the stock cable to something stronger, or doing a preventative e-brake cable replacement every 150K miles?

 

Myself I can`t see that it would be all the hard .

The hardest part might be just switching over to a third generation console

How is the 2nd generation intermediate lever setup ??

From that point front all the 3rd generation parts Just a matter of merging the 2 generations .

This is off the top off my head .

 

Yea as far as I know all 2nd gens were configured as I stated above, I love the T handle park brake. I don't mind either of the other 2 types but I do prefer a handbrake, either the T handle or the one in the center console.

I think I'd trust the T handle brake before a foot operated one, there's not really any way for it to accidentally be released. If you put the truck in 1st and brake on it's not goin anywhere.

 

The Fords have the Parking brakes on a pedal attached to the left side been like that forever.

 

Almost all trucks had foot operated parking brakes, most full size trucks still do although electronically actuated parking brakes are rapidly becoming commonplace.

 

More systems to fail! Then going to self driving vehicles it would all be part of the software .

 

Yea you need a scan too on many vehicles with electronic parking brakes to put them in service mode to change rear brake pads, if you don't and try to push them in you will destroy the calipers.
IMO self driving vehicles is a dream, people already can't/don't fix ADAS systems that are in place now.

 

One persons dream is the next persons nightmare .

Long term plan looks to be any vehicle problem it gets dragged to the dealer.

 

Who generally just throws parts at it until it's fixed or the customer is fed up.
We already have a limited number of people that can properly diagnose and fix a simple driveabilty problem much less diagnose a system that takes an engineering mindset to diagnose and repair.
Basically everything now is made to last a short period of time and then you toss it and build another one.

 

Only known weak point is where the cable attaches to the rear drum backing plate. The cable fitting is aluminum and can rot away after 10 years or so. That portion of the cable is the same between MT and AT.

 

What is with the need to fix something that isn’t broken?

The stock ebrake works. Why mess with that? It’s not like you are drifting the thing and need a specific handbrake.

 

I personally don’t care for the location of the e-brake handle either, but doing a 3rd gen retro fit seems like a lot work for minimal gain. Curious to see what’s involved.

 

I have to turn my engine off and use first gear as a parking brake when i launch my boat. Stupid fking drums...

 

^The FJ/4Runner parking brake uses the inside of the rotor hat as a mini drum brake, even less authority.