I am having a tough time figuring out exactly which parking brake cables I need.

Instead of the OE style that are available from the various repro parts vendors, I prefer the black plastic sheathing. I went on Rock Auto and found the application-specific replacement parts but between the two brands (Dorman & Raybestos) the lengths are different. The Dorman ones say they are for either 9" or 10" brakes, Raybestos does not specify. Also, it seems that 1971 is different than both 1970 and 1972. Not sure how or why but both the part numbers and lengths are different between the years at least in the part listings.

I measured mine as best as I could - they're the original ones and don't lay perfectly straight. There is no intermediate cable. The front measures 93.25", the left rear is 34.75" and the right rear is 73.25". Can anyone confirm these are correct lengths or at least close to what they should be?

Below is the info I gleaned from Rock Auto. I showed the difference in length next to the Dorman cables which are shorter. Just looking for confirmation that whatever I get is close enough to not be at the end of it's adjustment. Also, is better to be a little shorter or longer?

Thanks,

Greg

RAYBESTOS BC92320 Specifications Front
Cable Diameter (IN) 0.125
Cable Fitting Size, End 2 (IN) 0.313
Cable Fitting Type, End 1 Clevis
Cable Length, Overall (IN) 95.440
Housing Length, Overall (IN) 41.000

DORMAN C92320 Specifications Front
Package Contents 1 Brake Cable
Conduit Length 39.96 In. -1.04"
Cable Length 95.35 In. -.009
Color/Finish Black
Installation Hardware Included No
Cable Jacket Material Rubber
Conduit Included Yes

RAYBESTOS BC92531 Specifications Right
Cable Diameter (IN) 0.125
Cable Length, Overall (IN) 73.500
Housing Length, Overall (IN) 59.750

DORMAN C92531 Specifications Right
Package Contents 1 Brake Cable
Conduit Length 57.99 In. -.25"
Cable Length 72.64 In. -.86"
Color/Finish Black
Installation Hardware Included No
Cable Jacket Material Rubber
Conduit Included Yes

RAYBESTOS BC92396 Specifications Left
Cable Diameter (IN) 0.125
Cable Fitting Type, End 1 BALL
Cable Fitting Type, End 2 Barrel
Cable Length, Overall (IN) 34.690
Housing Length, Overall (IN) 20.687

DORMAN C92332 Specifications Left
Package Contents 1 Brake Cable
Conduit Length 19.57 In. -1.117"
Cable Length 33.58 In. -1.11"
Color/Finish Black
Installation Hardware Included No
Cable Jacket Material Rubber
Conduit Included Yes

Whichever cables you go with, make sure all are the same manufacturers. You will have a better chance of everything working.

If I remember correctly, the differences in the 3 years was the path under the car the cables took. They went from pulling from the left side to more towards the center (or visa-a-versa). I suspect the currently available parts are a compromise of the 3 versions, and probably works best if you just happen to to have the correct length of cables (which it doesn't sound like you do). The total lengths are what you should be concerned with, and the numbers look pretty close to me.

The cables are supported by brackets under the car, you may have to modify those brackets slightly. The longer right side cable passes through a hook bracket that connects with a hole in the trans crossmember (If I remember correctly). A slightly longer, or shorter hook bracket, or a different hole in the crossmember for the hook bracket to fit in would likely solve any cable length issues.

Thanks for the reply. On my car the front cable comes out the firewall on the far left and goes under the area where the floor meets the front frame. The rear cable bracket is almost all the way back on the inside left frame rail. I have frame connectors too but they don't meet the floor pan so the cable is unobstructed.

I would prefer to get all one brand of cable but based on the provided specs, they don't match up. The Dorman brand right rear is an inch shorter than the Raybestos. I figure there will be some adjustment necessary as long as it's not too long or too short. Maybe I'll get both brands and keep the one that matches best.

i worked for napa and bought cables for a few of my dodge trucks. piss poor items. i looked around and found the best fir/quality and price at advance auto parts. the ends on the napa ones pulled thru the backing plate and were sloppy fit. that ones from aap fir just like oem. not sure who makes them buy very good ones. the numbers started with bc, so probably raybestos brand.