cool rob

After running on 33" tires for about four months now, I decided that I needed to finally remove the stock spare and replace it with a 33"(the spare was a 31"). One problem: since I have a 2-inch body lift, the jack handle cannot reach the nut to turn the tire winch due to the angle of the bumper hole and the winch nut created by the lift. Someone please tell me there is a simple solution to this problem...

SolidDigital

I don't know how much different yours would be from mine, but when I first got mine loose I just used enough of the handle to go past the tire and loosened it without even having it past the rear bumper/body panel.

Yoter

Simply remove your entire bumper every time you need to access the spare. lol ok or not. Have the access tool fabbed or drill a new access hole.

Yoter

Another smarter option is to get a roof basket and show the 33 off.

cool rob

Thanks for the ideas, fellas. I'm leaning towards drilling a new access hole AND getting a roof basket. If I screw up my bumper, I'll have a good excuse to buy new custom one!

My99

Ya, putting your heavy tire on your roof is great for many reasons. Increases wind drag and noise. Decreases fuel mileage. Makes your CG even higher than it was before, and you'll even snag a few more branches than before. But hey, you'll impress all the 8-14 yr olds.

Ya, i'm just jokin. It does have some benefits too, but..

If you can fit a 33 under your truck, i'd suggest doing that. As far as your problem... I've never been there so can't say.

Yoter

HaHaHaHaHa forgot to laugh. I am going to be the BIGGER man and not flame the crap out of you 99. Fab your bumper with a new access hole. The roof rack comment was incase you were not fond of hacking your rig.

cool rob

I think mounting a 33" spare may be out of the question since I do have a trailer hitch. From looking at it earlier, it's going to be a super tight fit- if it even fits at all.

doink

another vote against having it up top. i say if you have enough cargo room in the back, maybe try to pop it in there for the time being...but then again, its your call.

outlaw27

I have the same problem as you. I was going to post a thread about it. I was trying to take my spare out, and couldnt figure out why I couldnt lower it. Then I realized it was mounted to frame and the body was higher after the 2" body lift. Hopefully you can get it out. If you do let me know I've been trying to figure it out. Oh and one of my buddies fit a pretty worn down 285/75/16 under his truck. It fit perfect. Just to let you know

Robinhood150

I thought you got that high CG thing out of your system?

PoBoy

Just use a 3/4 socket extension and a monkey wrench...crawl underneath and find the winch hole...insert and turn. Its really easy. You are going to get dirty anyways changing a spare...so who cares if you ahve to crawl under there and find the hole.

waskillywabbit

iTrader: (-1)

SIMPLE FIX:

Pop off the top plastic piece that is on top of the bumper, takes all of 5 seconds to take off or put on, and there is the spot you need to access.

cool rob

waskilly...hmmmm, I'll try that tomorrow. I tried again to figure out a way to lower the spare(before I checked this thread today) and I found myself attempting to remove the bumper and snapping a bolt that holds the bumper and end cap together in the process That was my cue to quit. If the removing that plastic piece thing doesn't work(it just pops off, right?), I'll try PoBoy's idea. Thanks for the ideas, fellas.

waskillywabbit

iTrader: (-1)

Pops right off. The plastic bumper piece has about 8 clips on it that clasp through holes in the bumper and one on each end that clasp on the top of the wing next to the door.

Check a Hayne's or Chilton's if you wanna see where to pull, but just grab it where you can get a finger under it and just pop it up with firm pressure.

Good luck!

cool rob

waskilly...you da man. Taking the plastic piece off and accessing the winch worked like a champ! One day I hope to be as smart as you. My 33" spare fits perfectly underneath,too,trailer hitch and all.

Tman100z

Hey ROB

I finally got my truck lifted but i would still love to check yours out. Ill email you and maybe we can get together this weekend.

Terence

waskillywabbit

iTrader: (-1)

Glad to help! Perhaps one day I can be as "cool" as you!

cool rob

Terence...what kind of lift/tires/wheels did you end up getting? I want to check your rig out too, but I'm heading up north for the weekend. We'll hook it up some other time.

SteveO

I don't know Blue....my aluminum wheel and tire weighs in at 80lbs. It wasn't too fun getting it up ther and back off. Had to use a step ladder...