I got a flat tire, and my '90 4x4 pickup is currently stuck in the parking lot of my girlfriend's apartment complex. I went to change the flat, and I can't figure out how to get the spare down. I bought the truck a couple of months ago, and I didn't get any factory jack/spare equipment. I'm sure there's some way to crank it down, but I could use some help from somebody who actually knows. I'm worried that if I don't fix the flat and move it, it will be towed. It has already been sitting there for two days. Any help is very greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

might have to ask somebody with a toyota if you can borrow their crank.

mine doesn't have the factory one, but the previous owner built one out of a piece of 1/2" round rod. he bent a crank handle into the end(so it basically looks like a "Z") and welded a piece of 1" or 1.5" wide plate into the end to engage in the slot. works better than the factory one, no handle to lose!

 

well, I'll try to find one, but where is the slot that you put the crank in to turn it? I read some references to flipping down a plastic piece or something, but the front of the truck seems to be pretty solid at the area where it would be. Sorry if I sound a little dumb.

 

Do a search. I could swear I've read something on here about someone lowering the spare without the proper tools.

 

On my runner it's in the center of the rear bumper. You put the crank bar in and to the left (driver's side) connect it to the mechanism and lower away.
This thread might help. Apparently you can use a jack to disconnect it from the lowering chain.

 

You can just use a long flathead screwdriver if you don't have the factory crank. It is much more difficult, but it will work.

 

The crank is just a long piece of square tube. Assuming that the end fits inside a socket on the lowering mechanism, you could use a flathead screwdriver like twiztid suggested to wedge in the socket- also, I bet a ratchet extension might work, its got about the same size as the factory crank on the square end..

 

OK, thanks everybody, I'll see what I can do. Thanks again for your help.

 

If you had a handle, the slot above your license plate is where you put the handle in, then slide it all the way into the spare crank mechanism and crank counterclockwise to get it down. Meanwhile, use anything you can find to reach in there and crank it down, best to borrow the handle from someone. See pic I posted in this thread: https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/i-know-sounds-stupid-40309/

 

Facing the rear of your truck the actual lowering mechanism is to the left near the rear tire. If you get underneath your truck you will be able to see it. I have the crank handle which works OK but not great. I would recommend squirting the lowering mechanism with WD-40 or some lubricant as you try to unwind it.