thanks so much for helping me out! I have a much better idea of what is supposed to happen but I have a clue to figure out. The assembly of the "Balance bar" area under the truck seems to be missing a second spring. I couldn't see from the links you sent. I have communicated with AutoZone and Napa, and they don't know what I am talking about. There may not be a second spring, but everything else seems to be working right: The pull handle, cables are hooked up and moving..
Thanks again for any suggestions you may have, I am determined to get more life out of the e brake system I have.