Spare Tire lock-Where to get replacement?

[mjkten]

Bought a used truck and the fellow couldn't find the key to the spare tire lock. It is a 2003 F250. The dealer said he has tried to get replacements from Ford, but almost never can...the service shop says the whole thing has to be cut out and replaced. Not the kind of design I want to perpetuate.
Who has heard of a way to deal with this? I don't need it down right now, but you never know when you'll get a flat.

[scotty2280]

i was told the dealership can get them and there is like seven different keys out there but thats just what i heard, i dont see how a dealer couldent get on thou as im missing mine as well?!

[mjkten]

I have a boat with a Yamaha outboard, I think the factory makes a very limited number of different keys for that, replacing it was just a quick look at the number...hopefully a different dealer will try harder, or maybe this one will if I go down there and insist!

[ABoyAndHisToys]

I 've had luck hammering on a socket. The pole fits right into a 3/8 drive. When I get home I'll crawl under and check the size I used.

[scotty2280]

yea maybe just give a couple of other dealers a call, thats funny that they told you it had to be cut out, i find that hard to believe.

[SteveKran]

Which Ford dealership did you call? I recommend calling another one...

[NCHornet]

A 12 point socket will tap right over the lock head and you can lower the tire, but I agree any decent dealer can get them easily. Your dealer doesn't want to be bothered.

NCH

[mjkten]

Thanks, NCH, I figured as much.
First thing to do is to go down there and say-"Hey, get me this key!" and not listen to any BS about how hard it's going to be. "If it was easy, I would have gone to autozone instead of you!" That should brighten his day.

[2000superduty]

Do any of you guys know what size 12 point socket to use? I too have bought my truck used and their is no key.