Ford Repair: 86 Ford F350 Diesel Parking brake, ford f350 diesel, ford f350

Question
The parking brake does not work in my truck. I apply the parking brake all the way and the truck still rolls as if the brake aren't even applied. The rear brake shoes were recently replaced. The rear brakes work when you step on the brake pedal because I can see the the 2 little rods push the brake shoes out from the wheel cylinders.  It has a manual transmission. Are these self adjusting brakes? Do I even need to adjust the rear brakes at all? How do I get the parking brake to work.

Answer
Ed:

There are two styles of parking brakes used on Ford Diesel trucks, the first system is standard issue cable operated parking brake that utilizes the rear service brake shoes and self-adjusters to set and lock the parking brake.  The cables connect from the back side of the backing plate.  The second system (I don't know when it started) locks the driveshaft at the rear of the transmission using what looks like a cable operated caliper and a ring on the driveshaft like a rotor.  The rear brakes should be self-adjusting, though for proper operation they should be inspected, lubed, and adjusted every 12 months/15k miles.

Patrick