i know this sounds stupid, but i cant get the spare off my 2000 4runner. ive followed the instructions in the manual, but theres no "lowering mechanism" to put the jack into that i see. im sure all of you are laughing your asses off, but any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Hmm...

OK take the metal rod (that comes with the jack) with the bend at the end and stick it in the hole. The hole is right above the rear bumper. Just guide it in until you reach the end. Then start turning the rod until the tire comes down. I've only done this once and it was 4 years ago, but that's basically how it goes...

 

Open the back hatch, just below the lower weather stripping you'll see a round hole, you slide the square end of the jack handle into it. There's a spot way back in there that the square end will lock into. the simply rotate the handle.

 

I can't tell you where in your rig to find the handle, but here is an illustration of the principle for you. Your's will look a bit different, but it works the same way. Stick the crank handle in the hole, get it into the winch, crank the spare all the way to the ground.

When putting the tire back be sure the bracket engages with a lug hole so it's secure when you crank it back up. Crank it up tight. That's all there is to it.

 

I was hunting for an image like that, but to no avail.

 

http://www.4runners.org/articles/difftsf/

look at the pics in the writeup. you have to stick the rod in at an angle. the pic should help.

bob

 

i appreciate yalls help...i got it off and put it on my surco rack with my tow straps holding it down and a master lock so no one can steal it...it now gives me a little extra clearence.

 

I just walked out to the driveway and took the pics. I figured since I don't carry the spare under there it was an easy shot. BigBadBlue shamed me into it...