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I have a 1950 Chevy 1/2 ton PU. I am installing the rod that connects from the emergency brake pedal ear to the heavy emergency brake 'axle' that runs through the chassis. There is a return spring that attaches to an ear on the rod and provides return spring action once the brake pedal is released. One end of the spring attaches to the rod itself.

Where does the other end of the spring attach? To the wide chassis craossmember close to the emergency brake 'axle'?

Also, what is the best way to install the spring? Mine has a lot of tension and I don't think I can attach it without some sort of come-a-long.

There is a hole on the wide cross member, but the spring does not attach directly to the hole, there is a heavy spring steel wire with eyes bent in each end that links the hole to the spring. Seems like the spring was about 9 inches long and the ling was equally as long.

I wonder why GM put such a heavy cross bar in for the emergency brakes (this is the >1" bar that the cables attach to). What they have? Leftover parts from WWII tank assembly or something?

Just remembered one detail. Not sure if you need the extension wire or not. The last one I took apart had one, but it was a 1/2ton GMC longbed which would explain the need for the extension.

Also, the spring in this case went from the clevis on the middle rod joint back to the cross member.

The only reason for such a big diameter was that it is bent in the middle and putting torque on one end through the bend is actually quite a bit of stress - the big bar handles it fine.

My 1953-3100 Chevy (which would be a short bed) has a 7" spring (when compressed) and a 11" wire hook extension. The spring is 3/4" in diameter.

Installation of the spring is actually easy, it does not have to be stretched very far to make it to the hole in the cross member. Just don't have the emergency brake engaged when you try it.

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I just finished installing a new e-brake rod from chevy duty. The spring can be stretched with a come-a-long or similar stretcher. Attach the stretcher to the end of the spring, pull back on the spring, then connect the extension wire to the spring and cross member and ease back on the come-a-long

Brian & I seem to have the same spring. A come-along would be overkill with the spring on both my 1/2 ton trucks. I used a vice grip to pull the spring rearward or forward (and, I am strong only in my dreams).

Tim