is there a way on the 96 model j's to adjust the ebrake so i dont have to pull the handle as far? like barley pulling it and them fully engaging? right now it works at about half.
As long as it works, you don't need to adjust it.
There's a ratcheting mechanism in the handle. Once it pulls all the way up, then it'll move a notch and come back down a bit.
If it goes all the way up and doesn't work, then you may need to adjust the brake shoes. But you say yours works, so all is well. That's just the way it is.