parking brake works great - holds truck on steepest of hills, brakes work fine, pull the release and it springs up with some force except not quite far enough to disengage the switch so the dash light stays on. Last notch or two is limp.

The cable under the cab is slack and hanging down when released. I followed it till it splits and see where it does split to the 2 brakes but thats it. I was expecting a retract spring but dont see any. What pulls the cables back? Is there some sort of adjustment?

 

What year Ranger?

I added a spring to my 1994 Park brake pedal, just seemed easier than taking it apart, lol.

How-to for 1994 and earlier: 1983 Ford Bronco FSA 94S91 E-Brake Wedge pictures, videos, and sounds | SuperMotors.net


You do need to tighten cable under vehicle, year of vehicle matters
There is usually also a cable support, just a twist loop of solid wire attached to frame rail, cable runs thru that to hold it up

 

whoops
2001 ranger edge 2wd rear drum brakes

 

Read here: https://www.ranger-forums.com/genera...-cable-106639/

Parking brake pedal assembly should be "self-adjusting" in 1998 and up, but doesn't always work that way

 

hmm alright ill take a look for that adjustment bolt.