This morning I backed my '94 Ranger up about 2'...intending drive up on a ramp so I could roll underneath and change the fuel filter. I put on the parking brake so it wouldn't roll into the street. When I got everything in position and released the parking brake to pull forward, it was locked up tight, The parking brake was set and released several times, but no change...still locked up tight. I don't have a lot of repair tools and equipment, but I'll really hate having to pay for a tow tomorrow, if this is a simple fix.
Anyone have suggestions on what happened and how to repair?
Thanks

 

I've heard of this happening before. I don't remember the exact fix but when this happened to me, I put in reverse and gassed it until it broke loose, after that it was fine and the brakes still worked fine

 

I've read of that procedure, and am afraid to try it because I Iive on a busy street. If it doesn't work, I could be stuck out in the street. It took all my little truck had to move it the 2' forward to get it back into its parking spot!
If I don't come up with other options...and can muster up the intestinal fortitude, I will consider this option. Thanks!

 

Its probably locked up. If you don't want to go in reverse which is probably the easiest way then try removing the drum covers and see if you can adjust the brakes manually.

 

Thanks Trent. I'm thinking that may be the way to go. I've done 2 brake jobs in my life...not sure I'd recognize the problem, if I saw it!. Not to difficult of a job, though. Maybe just redo the brakes while I'm in there, if I go that route.

 

OK. I worked up the courage and tried backing up. Actually I got the truck rocking a bit and applied the brakes while rocking backwards....they broke right loose. Was able to back out and drive back into my parking spot with no trouble. There "is" a groaning metal sound from the brakes, now, though. A rebuild is probably coming soon.
Thanks for our help everybody. I appreciate it.

 

I carried a custom made pry-bar to pull the parking brake cable back on the occasion they decided to stick on my 94'.

 

Cables might be rusted inside, real common.

 

Thanks Carl. I changed my fuel filter, then went for a test drive. The brakes seem to be working fine now, but it got me to wondering about exactly what caused the lock-up. If it is a rusty cable, then perhaps periodic lubrication should be added to regular maintenance routines. In this case...exactly "where" would one apply lubricant?
Is there anything else that might cause the brakes to lock up?

 

Thanks Haywood...that sounds like a good thing to carry!