Is this on a MK4?

If the stock 94 set up is anything like the Fox e-brake set up...
Normally you pre-tension the spring, by pulling on the T, while the e-brake is in a vice, or something to hold it solidly. Then using a nail or stiff wire, you pin the spring, to keep it in tension. When the handle is installed, and the T is attached to the cables, (which need to be attached to the calipers), then you pull the nail out, and the spring releases. This pulls the cables slightly into tension, but not enough that it causes the brakes to set.

You would think that the upper cable would actually be pulled tighter, by the distance down to the pulley, compared to the lower one? I don't recall my T being so far below the cables coming through the cable brace?. I think my cables had more of a straight shot to the pulley.
Looks like the brace for the cables is in a different position, then mine. Maybe yours is designed for the FFR e-brake handle, rather than a donor handle?

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