I had this exact problem when I took my e-brake out, and I posted it on here. That was early 2005 I'd say. I didn't mess with the equalizer, but I did have to fight with it. I believe I was able to grasp it with some needle nose pliers or somsething like that and pull on it until I was able to slip the ball out of the holder it sits in. You are fighting though against spring pressure back in the rear drums.