When I park, I always apply the e-brake before shifting from "D" to "P", because I was told that it takes the load of the truck off of the transmission and onto the brakes, rather than applying the e-brake after shifting to "P" and letting your foot off of the main brake, because then the transmission still has the load of the vehicle wanting to roll backwards/forwards on it.

By setting the e-brake before shifting from drive to park, you are forced to leave your right foot on the main brake while setting the e-brake with your left foot, so the load of the vehicle is on the brakes than on the transmission.

Is this actually true or have I been wearing out the e-brake cable for the last two years?

 

its true have you ever parked on a hill without the E-brake and shifted it? lisen it will go CLANK and go into gear...when i park on my drive way i always put it in Neutrual hit the E-break make sure its got the weght of the truck then shift into park...havnt heard that clank since i started doin that. I think it helps but thats just me.

 

Whenever I'm parking on a hill, or up/downhill grade, I always apply the parking/E-brake before putting it into park.

 

I do like shifty when I use the parking brake. Hit neutral first, set the p-brake, shift to park, then let off the service brakes.

I don't think the OP has this problem out in California, but I'm more worried about the p-brake cable rusting tight from non-use and not working when needed then I am worried about wearing it out. Exception to the rule is in the winter when I seldom if ever use the p-brake until it's above freezing. I've had too many frozen brakes in the morning to use the p-brake for overnight parking.

 

When you pull up to your parking spot, you can shift it into "aprk" but keep your foot FIRMLY on the regular brake pedal (so truck doesn't roll) now apply your e-brake nice and firm, and let go of the regular brake. Your truck's weight will be resting on the e-brake. As long as the truck doesn't roll back, your fine.

** ALways apply the e-brake. Why not ? Takes MAYBE 3 seconds ? Extra insurance, may save someones life, our trucks are heavy, etc etc etc. Also, in off road comps. if you have an automatic and want to stop, you normally have to stop, use your e-brake, then ALSO block your tires.

NOTE : You won't wear out your e-brake unless you are driving with it. The cable may need to be replaced, but i have seen em last a long, long time also.