I actually have repaired the E brake several times, and yes a real pain in the %#$&   My problem was that the lever that contacts the rear shoe kept sliding inward, and the ebrake quit working.  I am going to remove the hubs (yeah, I know - a lot of work - but we all hahve to lube the outer bearings sometime), and add a spot weld to the lever that inserts thru the backing plate.  I will let everyone know how it works.  As for the needle nose pliers that has been mentioned in previous posts, Snap-on makes real good needle nose pliers that are small enough to reach thru the hole, and still grip the pin.  Other brands will just frustrate you. 

I used zip ties to compress spring and then cut the tie with diagonal pliers.

Geez...just had a parking brake shoe and stainlees steel hardware kit delivered yesterday...I'm really thrilled to hear all this good news!! 

forgot to mention, Best to have two good quality Needlenose pliers if you plan on leaving the Hubs in place.  The Floss that was mentioned in previous posts is something that I would also reccommend.

Once I compressed the springs with thin vise grips and tied them with floss it wasn't too bad. Reaching in there was kinda like that old game "Operation" where the nose lights up and buzzes if you touch the side with the tweezers. 
A good set of eyes helps also.

While I'm at it, have any of you had a problem with the actuation lever not staying in contact with the brake shoe?  (Hence the reason I am having to remove the hubs to place a "bead" of weld on the lever just inside the backing plate to keep it from slipping away from the shoe)   I have installed New springs, levers, and shoes!