i'm looking to lower the spare tire from under the 4runner. the tool didn't come with the car, so i'm looking into some junkyards to see if i can find one. the problem i have is that i don't see a straight shot to the winch with the marlin bumper installed; the hitch seems to really throw off the angle of any sort of tool to get above the tire. has anyone removed their spare tire with the marlin bumper installed?

anyone have a tool that i could borrow to get it lowered? i'm in stockton for the next two days and then will be back in the san jose area on thursday. i just want to get rid of the old spare and mount a new one in the cargo area for easier access.

any other tips on removing it; can i cut out the mount?

 

I've got the same issue with not having the tools. from what i've read you can usually deflate the tire, and push it up enough to pop the holder out of the hole.

 

if you didn't live so far away in Cali I would send you mine at no charge i don't use it and have no need for it seeing i have 2 one from my old 94 4runner and one from my 95 4runner

 

but if you plan on mounting it in the cargo area why not just take a saws-all and cut the wire and have it fall to the ground? thats pretty much what i had to do since my lowering mechanism binded up.

 

i think i'm going to try that; i just have to get some room so i can clips the chain holding the tire. the idea of let it air down to get enough room sounds good. if i can't get enough air out of it; i might just slash the tire to the last of the air out. it's 20 years old and the tire is useless as it is.

 

i tried lowering my tire this weekend and i can access the crank device just fine from below the bumper, however it's all seized up. i liberally hosed all the moving parts down in PB blaster, but still no joy. i think i just need to attack it with a longer pry bar. i haven't had the tire down in 4+ years so i guess that's to be expected. argh

 

Im in the same boat. My spare hasnt been touched in years, with my body lift its impossible to get a tool in there. Looks like the torch is commin out
Not much a 31" spare can do when you run 33's

 

Always a good idea to lower the spare every year or so just to make sure it still works. And give the mechanism a shot of oil or grease while it is down.

I have the factory tool in Santa Clara if you were still looking to lower yours. If the bumper is blocking the winch access, you might try using a ratchet wrench, suitable length extension and a wide flat bladed screwdriver bit that would fit the mechanism.

 

I'm not sure if I still have that tool but if I can find it you can have it. I'll be in San Jose tomorrow afternoon if you are interested.

 

I greased up the line and shot the winch with some nice lithium grease. 0 issues so far.

 

i'm in trial up in stockton right now, but the judge is going on vacation on friday, so i might take up the offer on friday if i don't get it down by then. i'll keep you guys updated on how i get it off. i didn't think of using a ratchet to get it off, is there a socket that might grab it enough or is the flat head screwdriver the best shot?

 

On the Gen1:
It has some kind of "slot" indent.
The stock took has a circular hook end.
Yo dont have to go straight it - but the closer to straight - the less the tool pops off..

 

i got the spare tire off! thanks for the help everyone. i wasn't able to find the tool assembly, so i went to orchard and looked for a socket that might work. after going back and forth from the store, i decided to get the 1/2 drive gator grip. you know that infomercial with the socket that has all the pins that adjust to the shape. after getting that, a 1/2" u-joint and the ratchet, i decided to give it a go.

it worked the first time and i was able to crank the tire down pretty easily. thanks for the help and offers to borrow the tools.

any ideas to secure the loose hanger?

 

Get out the grinder and remove all that's left...

 

Just as a note: if you do have the tool and the winch isn't frozen it's absolutely no problem with the Marlin bumper. You have all sorts of room.....