Removing the Spare Tire for DUMMIES

[bamaboy473]

OK, I've tried everything and either I'm more clueless than I thought, or something's missing.

Having 20" wheels means that the OEM spare isn't going to fit right, so I was planning on taking the new tire off the spare and mounting a bigger tire on the wheel. So far, so good, right?

Pop the hood, get the tire tools and go to unscrew the spare from under the bed and....WTH? It looks like some kind of Torx deal inside and I don't have anything that looks like it. The two rods are either square on the end or has a little J-type end, but the J won't fit into the torx thing...so what did I miss?

[ju015dd]

you have to have the key, mine was in the glovebox when I bought my truck.. I have the key with no jack stand or the rods...........

[bamaboy473]

that sux to have to have a key for the spare removal...I bet half the trucks don't have it anymore because people don't know what they are and toss them.

What can we use to McGuyver the fix?

[Southpaw]

I got your solution, let me see if I can find my old thread with pics, so I don't have to re-type it all lol

brb

[Southpaw]

Here man, check out this thread. My posts are 13, 17, and 18.
This should help you out.

Lamest question ive ever asked!!!!

[bamaboy473]

F%$^&*#$ -n-A locks like they use on wheels...on a spare?

Southpaw, how do I get the thing off unless I go to the stealer? Can it be punched out...like I'd like to do to some Ford engineers?

[TXsmoker]

Break the little plastic winch thing from the bed and it will come down!!! I didnt do but it would work if you dont have that stupid key..

[bamaboy473]

OK, I have to ask WHAT plastic winch thing are we talking about? How do I reach it?...where is it located?

[ProOnThaSnow]

When I purchased my truck, the spare tire was in the bed and I was told the spare tire carrier was broken and didn't work... so I messed with it (as you did, before I found the key in the glovebox) and said "F-It, I'll carry my spare in the bed". Boy did I feel stupid when I found that key, and realized what it was for - sure as hell, it did work, the dealership I bought it from just wasn't very bright. Of course with all the other projects I've had the past few days I have yet to put it back on and put my spare in the correct spot.

[bamaboy473]

Last thing I want is a flat when I'm on the road with a lifted truck with great wheels...except for the spare!

Worse, what we're talking about today is that I couldn't get the dam spare off anyway unless I have some key...

Does the stealer know the key code or size from the VIN?

I bet a LOT of us with bigger wheels are about to find out how important this is...........