The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Where does the return spring for the parking brake rod hook in the chassis?

I've been chasing my tail all afternoon trying to figure this one out. On a factory parking brake setup, 1950 3100, pedal style brake, the rod that goes from the pedal bellcrank to the big bar in the frame has a return spring, but where does it hook to on the chassis side? I've searched high a low online and it seems like everyone is running some kind of street rod nonsense for their parking brake. Can anyone help me out?

I'm pretty sure that the spring hooks on the front of the crossmember that's just in front of the parking brake shaft. I recall mine being hooked there, but don't have a very good picture to prove it. I believe there's a hole in the front edge of the top of the crossmember for the spring. Can't get to that spot easily right now, but check where the red circle is on the attached pic.

There are two holes there. I was thinking that's where it goes, but when I hook it there the spring barely stretches when the pedal is pressed. Maybe I've just got the wrong spring.

I can confirm on my 50' 3100 in the morning, along with the spring size if needed.
Todd

I have my spring and the extension bar in my pile of parts and can dig them out tomorrow also. I did take a look at the FAM but it shows the spring hooked on the gusset on that crossmember. See Section 5, Sheet 3.00. But the later trucks shown in the FAM only have a single rod between the pedal link and the cross-bar with a tab where the spring hooks on. My '51 and I believe a '50 would have a 2 piece rod where the spring hooks over the pin connecting the two rods.

My 50 is really only a 50 according to the title, it's a mix of parts from many trucks. I believe my frame is a 49. I have both the factory 2 piece rod and a single piece aftermarket stainless rod, they both seem to have the connection point in the same place ( the joint for the 2 piece and a tab on the stainless rod) Is there a place online to access the FAM? I have a copy of the service manual but it doesn't have any pictures of the parking brake beyond the pedal assembly.

I don't know of online access to the FAM? You can get them on Amazon for about $35.You really need one, but here's the page I mentioned.
Here's what the parts list shows for the pull back spring. 6-9/16 free length with 50 coils. Supposedly the same spring for 47-54 pickups. There's an extension rod that's about the same length. I'll go try and find the box that mine are in after a bit.
FYI, the parts list says that 2 piece rods were used in production, but replaced by the one piece rod in service. The front rod extends thru the cab support, which made probably make it easier to install that rod before setting the cab on the frame. Then just the rear rod needed to be connected to it after the cab was installed instead of threading the longer rod thru the front cab support from underneath.

Ok, pics:
Spring about 8 inches long
Hook about 9 inches long.
Spring hooks to the 9 inch hook that goes to chassis hole.
Does that make sense?
Todd

Good Job, Todd. Now I don't have to go rummage thru my parts pile.

I wonder if he has the "extension " listed on FAM picture?
I called it a hook. Lol
Todd

Thank you!! Turns out I had the wrong extension piece.

Todd,
Excellent collection of pics for this subject.