I have a 2001 Ford Ranger, 4 L, with 10" rear drums.

Two questions:
1) Does the left hand (i.e., driver side) parking brake cable go in front of or behind the right hand parking brake cable before they attach to the equalizer? I know the left hand parking brake goes under and around the rear leaf springs, but I'm not sure if from there whether it goes in front of or behind the right hand parking cable.
2) I got a new left hand parking brake cable and the front side on the factory cable had a retainer clip that locked it into the equalizer. The part I purchased does not have a retainer clip. Can I connect the left hand parking brake cable to the equalizer without the retainer clip or do I need to somehow purchase one?

Thanks for your help!