Yes, the rod is mostly vertical N/S when connected although adjustment is available there so it might lean one way or the other. The parking brake scheme is interesting. It has always seemed to me it was designed so that not a lot of pedal pressure is needed so when set up right even smaller folks would have no problem with it. There might be only an inch or so travel if all is adjusted correctly. I'll try to take a look later and see.

~ Jon
1952 1/2 ton with 1959 235 | T5 with 3.07 rear end