1972 K20 rear parking brake cables

[lutjanid]

I am having trouble finding replacement rear parking brake cables. All the usual places have either 39-9/16" or 41" (AcDelco part 18P2301) cables. But these are too short for my truck, which is stock as far as I can tell. The old cables measure 46", but I haven't seen a 46" cable listed anywhere. Maybe the mounting clip is not in the original location. Also, the intermediate cable is 85", which I have not seen anywhere. All the intermediate cables seem to be 116-3/8" (AcDelco part 18P2305). Has anybody else run into this? I know I can get a custom cable from Inline Tube, but I can't figure out why I can't find this off the shelf.

[B. W.]

I had issues with my K25. The "correct" cables listed by Inline were too short, had Inline Tube make them longer. I had to guess on the length because both of my cables were missing. Can't see in the pic but the outer cable measures 33 & 1/4". Dana 60 rear axle, stock height.

I'm guessing the measurements you posted are overall length? I don't have the OA measurement on mine.

I haven't sorted out my intermediate cable yet.

[lutjanid]

Correct. The 46" measurement of my old cable and the 41" of the new cable are the OA measurement of the from cable ball end to ball end.

[B. W.]

Yep, I wish I had measured my OAL. But, based on your numbers, I lengthened mine 5" which would be spot on - 41" to 46".

I did a pretty exhaustive search for the correct cables & came up short (see what I did there!) but that was a couple of years ago.

[lutjanid]

It looks like Inline Tube is the only place that has the correct part for this truck. I ordered the 46" rear brake cable (RE4165) and 88.5" intermediate cable (IN4264) this morning. I'm still not sure why no other parts place has the correct length cable.

[B. W.]

Thanks for the info, I'll save those part numbers for future reference.

[renegade6]

Another option is to have some custom made. I've used Control Cables, Inc. for a couple of different vehicles and they are reasonable and quick.

[jocko]

Originally Posted by lutjanid

It looks like Inline Tube is the only place that has the correct part for this truck. I ordered the 46" rear brake cable (RE4165) and 88.5" intermediate cable (IN4264) this morning. I'm still not sure why no other parts place has the correct length cable.

Yes, thanks for sharing this. Am assuming your truck has an HO rear, not a D60? Am interested to hear how these fit if you get a chance to follow up once you install them. Any challenges finding drums? I remember having a hard time finding rear drums before but it was for a D60 equipped C20. I have a 72 K20 soup to nuts brake job on my future, so am starting to collect the parts.

[lutjanid]

I had to order the 2 drums from 2 different suppliers. The cables have shipped and I should have them this week.

[gmc 2500 4x4]

follow

[Old school57]

How did your cables fit I have to replace mine on a k/20.

[dave6672]

I bought my K20's (HO 52) replacement from Inline Tube. It was quite a few years ago so I don't remember the details other than it fit well and I had no issues with it.

[Stocker]

I had mine made at my local Ace Hardware several years ago. Took in an old one and they made new ones that are still working. Unfortunately they don't still have the crimp-on ends. If you ask around, you might get lucky. Not sure if a logging supply shop would have anything that small, but you never know til you ask.

[TATE228]

I installed a set of inline tube cables a couple of months ago. They do touch the leaf spring at full droop, but it never really gets that far unless its on lift. fyi I have a 14b axle so I don't know if that matters.