Worked like a charm. Like some commenters, I initially could not get the 15mm extractor to grab onto the lock. I solved this problem by blowing compressed air ( through a narrow tube) into the funnel. I probably got a shot glass of dust blow out and then the extractor grabbed right away. Thank you, Kurt Noakes, you are a credit to humanity!
After calling and going into numerous Ford dealerships, I about gave up on trying to get the spare tire lowered. I watched your video, ordered the parts you said and tried it out today. IT WORKED! I can raise and lower my spare tire now without that stupid anti theft key in it. Thanks for the video.
2002 Ford F350 / This worked GREAT! I ended up using a standard cheap 9/16" socket that I pounded on to the key without having to purchase the more expensive 15mm mentioned in the video. I purchased the 3/8" driver extensions at Harbor Freight for $15.00. It took me less then 20 minutes to remove the key retract the tire back into position. Thanks again this was a cost saving great video!
I cannot thank you enough for this post. Used a 14mm extractor socket (had to use a hammer to set it on the lock) Pulled out the tube by hand and everything else happened just as you demonstrated. I appreciate you so much for using UA-cam to offer something helpful for a LOT of people. Thanks again!
Dude...thanks a million! This worked very well for me. I have a 2005 F250 with a steel flat bed. Spare tire was missing so I didn't need to drop anything. There was plenty of room for me to work on the winch so I didn't remove that either. All I used was a small pair of vise grips and that little lock popped right out, took about 60 seconds. I can now put a spare tire under my truck bed...and it didn't cost me a dime! I love UA-cam!
Kurt..You da Man!! Bought my son his first truck-'03 F150 4x4. It didn't come with THE KEY adapter. Used a 24" extension (from Harbor Freight ~$15) & 14mm (12pt socket). 12 point socket is what did the trick for me. The socket just grabbed the key without needing to bang it in. After lowering/removing the spare & plastic guide tube, I used a long flat tipped screwdriver to pry the key right out. I did it with the hoist still installed....had the spare down & key out
I just bought an '03 F-150 in immaculate condition with 65K miles on it. The key was still sealed in the package and it was obvious the jack had never been used. So, lowered the tire, took the winch out, pulled the insert from the winch and threw that and the key out. Anybody with '97-'03 Ford pickups should do this, as you don't want to be stuck someplace and be missing the key, or find the key does not work! Thanks for the video!
Great Solution! I have a 2005 F350, which I bought used, and I'll be using your method to get the winch lowered. Thanks for taking the time to post this video.
Kurt - thanks so much. I just bought a used 1999 Ford Ranger and I could not figure out how the tire comes down. Further - It was sold to me without a jack and all the other tire change accessories. You did a great job videoing this procedure and it has given me peace and now I can get on to getting the spare tire down and saving a few bucks and then knowing how to deal with a flat tire on the roadside should a tire ever fail me in the future. Thanks so much!!!!!!!!!
Excellent tip. I didn't need to use the extraction device. I could lower the tire but not raise. Once I got the guide off I found that the key was ready to come out. With a screw driver I easily pried the key out and then was able to raise the tire. Thanks for the video, saved me time and money.
I followed your advice and it worked perfectly. Thank you for your time you spent in doing this. Before your video I went to 2 dealerships. One was $60 and the other was for $90. They said I had to buy a new switch because they don't have spare keys that they can sell. Thanks again.
Thanks Kurt. Your solution worked beautifully for my '01 350 dually. I just got this truck and did not even know I had the spare tire problem until I went to install a gooseneck hitch and needed to remove the tire for access. Your solution saved the day!
Thank you for making this video. I have the special keyed socket but it does not stay seated well and I keep having to tap it back on. You have shown me a way to get rid of the need for the special socket. I'm not worried about my spare tire being stole anyway.
Awesome info. Long story short....Had the spare tire down, but couldn't even got the cable all the way down. Took the truck in for service, asked them to figure out the issue and put the tire back up under the truck. They told me that the hoist was broken, and offered to sell me one for $350. Found a replacement for $135 on Ebay. Turns out all I needed was this little trick and about 10 minutes of my time. Talk about a money saver.
Thanks for this video! I had a flat today and ended up borrowing a spare tire from my sister since I wasn't able to get my spare down. Now after I get mine back in order I'll do this and save myself a headache next time.. Excellent video!!
Thanks Kurt. I got my spare to lower with much work, but I could not get the winch key to grab and raise the spare tire once the original tire was repaired. I watched how to remove the funnel tube and then grabbed the key nut attached to the winch with a pair of locking pliers and it popped right out. You saved me about $275, because the dealership wanted to replace the entire winch, which works perfect. Vehicle is a 2005 Ford F-250 Super Duty
thanks! I got stuck on the side of the road in middle of nowhere, luckily a guy stopped that was driving a Ford truck and we used his key. Thank God! Now I am going to get rid of that little sucker! Thanks for the Video!
This was very helpful, thanks a lot for posting it. Only thing I can add is I think the easiest way to get the plastic pipe off is to twist it pretty hard using both hands. Mine wouldn't pull off but easily came off once I twisted it.
Hi again. I have great news which might help others with the same problem. We removed the rubber tube. Then we could clearly see the key. With me shining a lights thru the top of the bumper my brother got a 9/16 six point socket on it. I banged the extension with a hammer. It was now on tight . Turned it right out . Then removed the hoist. No big deal. Then knocked the damned key out and voila! The key ...no pun intended ...is removing the rubber hose thing so you can see. Thanks again!
Thank you for your help . We worked on this tire for 2 hours in the cold . Finally I found you on youtube and now I know what I need to do. Thanks again.
Thank you for posting this video! I have the same issue on my F250 and will be correcting it today. Really nice to have people like you take the time to document these kinds of issues, which the dealers all too often ignore.
Thank you so much! I went to Sears and bought their bolt removal kit and used the #9 socket. It worked like a champ the first time. I took the lift out and pried out the key like is shown here. It didn't take 3 minutes to get the tire down! My wife said why use a key if it is so easy to get down? Good question! The Ford dealer said I had to cut the cable and buy a new lift mechanism. Not even Close!
Thank you for posting this. Saved me $200 for a new assembly. I still have my socket key but it is all stripped out from years of use. I was thinking I was gonna have to buy a new assembly until I came across this.
Thanks Kurt, your trick still works. I used the 14mm Extractor Socket (5 pc. kit $27.99) and POUNDED it on with a rubber mallet, then used my Rigid screw gun on Hammer Drill and the tire dropped FAST NO PROBLEM. I have the King Ranch 2003 2X4 step side model.
thanks we have been looking for solution to this for years but no real need yesterday had a flat. had aaa drop truk at home. took look on net for fixes and here you were thanks for the quick fixes
Great info. I had a flat in the middle of nowhere and there was no key for the spare lock. finally had a customer who drove to my location and helped me get the flat off, then took me to a tire store (35 miles away) to buy a new tire then back to the truck to put it on. After all this I went to Ford to buy a replacement but to no avail. Now Ford cannot get the lock keys and had to send me to the manufacturer of the assembly (Ford did not make it themselves) who told me it would cost about $500.00 to replace the system. Thanks for the great info!
Thanx do posting this vid!! I was out in d middle of no where taking my son out for his ATV experience.. N ran over a piece of steel sticking out.. Blew d tire n was able to get it fixed Thanx to ur vid!!
Thanks for posting the item# and sizes of the exact parts needed to make this work. I was able to call my local Sears and confirm they had it in stock before I made the trip. This worked on the first try and I was able to get the spare tire down (from my 2002 F250) very quickly and easily by using this method.
I was fortunate that the previous owner was not able to winch the tire fully up. It was hanging down a couple of inches on the cable and I was able to turn and move it enough to get a socket on the winch nuts and remove them enabling me to slide the winch CCW (looking from below). I was then able to reach over the frame with vise grips and turn the stupid nut thingy 1/2 a turn at a time to lower the tire and get it out of the way and pry out the "nut". Put everything back. Works great. Thanks!
Worked perfect for me. The number 9 extractor fit perfect. This really saved my butt, I would have been in a world of hurt if I had not noticed that spare wheel carrier lock was in there.
Many thanks. 2 bits of information: use the 3/8 drive extraction socket. I bought a set from sears but it was 1/2 in drive and I had to force the socket through the guide tube. For those who remove the wench, the 250 and 350 seem to use 13 mm. A side note to the other posters, he clarifies that it was easier to work on with the wench removed ("when you don't have to work on your back")
thank you for taking the time....i have an 03 superduty and I have the key but being up in Western New York....well....we get winter and salt and the like. I'm actually replacing a brake line and it will be so much easier w/spare out of the way
Worked on my 2008 F250, but I needed to hammer the extraction tool to get enough bite. Also needed to make an access hole in the custom bed, Thanks a lot!
I had a flat recently and the tow truck driver was clueless on how to lower the spare. Turned out he wouldn't have been much help, both duallies were flat. I had to figure out how to lower it and the next tow truck guy they sent (after I took one tire to be fixed and remounted,broke the bead) knew how to lower the spare, after I already figured it out. Both tow truck drivers had been doing it for 4 years. One has managed to learn nothing. I have the special added pleasure of having to raise my camper up to access the winch hole in the bumper. It wasn't a good 3 days.
Thank you soooo much!!! I thought I was loosing my mind when I couldn't get that darn thing down!!! You solved that problem for me. Now I don't need psych meds. LOL
Thanks!! Great practical idea that works. Once wheel was down, I used vise-grips to grab protruding end of "lock" and tapped pliers with hammer a few times and lock unit came right out. No need to remove assembly.
Hi. Thanks for the video . My brother has an 04 150. The key was missing but since it was supposed to be in the glove box. But we didn't know to look there. We assumed it would be with the jack. Silly us expecting logic right ? Ford really dropped the ball on this one. Anyhow thanks again . Now to get a 15 mm extraction socket and find enough extensions . Not only did Ford do this knuckleheaded idea but there seem to be more than one key type so even if you found one it might not fit!
Thank You, i bought my truck used also, similar to urs in the video. call the dealer with them telling me they will not be able to fix it. Great idea!! with this video.
Great video. I'll keep it in mind next time I drop a spare on a truck using this system. I'm ditching the winch on my F150 as they've been known to fail and drop the spare onto the road. I'll replace it with a traditional "nut and bolt" style holder from another vehicles swing-out tire holder.
I have 2004 F250. Didn't have key for spare tire. This worked great. Used a 16mm bolt extractor which I bought as part of a 5 piece kit - brand was Irwin.
Thanks for video and comments,went out this morning and had a flat tire,found the rod to stick through hole to access bolt to lower tire,would do nothing but turn,watched the video which great help but no extraction tool and no one to ride me to store,then i read futher and a comment was made that they put key in glove box and not with jack,hardly ever use my tool box,went out to truck and could not believe it my key was in glove box,and worked easily,so look in your glove box before all other remedies
Thanks. I have the key and the spare was never used in 10 years. I got the extraction tool (kit) at sears for 34.00. That included 10 pieces. They one that works goes in a 7/16 socket. After removing the holder, I tried to use the key. There is no way that the key would work. The grooves in the lock are way too shallow too work on an older rusty holder. Thanks again for the fix.
Awsome. great job bud. Boy I'll tell you talk about ridiculous. I'm in the same boat and I'm a welder but I cant weld something else on it until I get the tire down & winch off truck. Time for a new invention where a 1/2" drive protrudes out past the bumper for easy access.
Great. Thanks. Someone putting the internet to good use. Saved me (and I am sure a lot of people) a lot of time and trouble. Ford eventually put a lock on the bumper to prevent access.
Just changed my tires, including the spare. I have the anti-theft key but still had a hard time getting the spare down, and unable to get it back up. Either the keyway on the winch is messed up or it's packed solid with dirt. I'm going to pull the winch out and if it's too messed up will remove that key way. Good video and advice!
'02 F250: I bought the SAE standard extractor sockets ($20) from Harbor Freight and used the 9/16 socket. Do not buy the Harbor Freight metric set because it does not include a 15mm socket. I also bought their 3/8" drive 24" extension ($15). Everything worked fine until I realized my spare was flat too.
This really will work. I did have to get a 15mm stripped nut socket from Craftsman that was smooth on the outside. You can't use the Erwin style with the large nut on the outside it wont fit in the plastic sleeve leading to the anti theft fitting. All I had to do is run the socket and extension into the sleeve and tap it a bit so it would bite into the fitting and cranked it down. I did two of these ford trucks in about 45 min. This had to be one of the most bone head idea's for us out here in the mid west. we have dirt and snow in that tube all the time. There was no way that key was ever going to engage the fitting. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for posting this. I went to Harbor Freight and got their extraction sockets. Their metric sockets only come w/ 14mm and 16mm. The 14mm was too small and the 16mm was too big. Where did you get your 15 mm extractor and how much did it cost?
of all vid's, liked your's best,, My HF, sold out Metric on extractor set, so got SAE, and 5/8" close to 15mm. tapped it on, and felt it seat, as turn my 3/8" drive racket, I feel the resistance of the winch screw turning, but my tire not dropping, LOL,,,, fear must find another way, frustrating !!!
I think is great that people like your self take the time to post this info I am in this same problem right now so I am going to have to buy a extraction socket if Ican find one where did you get that socket??
Thanks Ishta. I used your advice. Pounded that bitch on with an an engineers maul onto a very long extension. The winch was then (and only then) able to be cranked down after watching this video by Kurt and your comment. UA-cam is a wonderful thing.
Do what you have to to get lock cylinder out..Two screwdrivers and vice grips..some muscle... it will fall in or come out...mine fell in and no prob getting wheel down there after.. this page gave me idea..thx
My '99 F-150 Lariat doesn't use a special socket... Last time I dropped the spare, I just used the bar? Maybe mine is messed up lol I bought it new though... I'll check it out. Thanks for the vid, man!!
Thanks Kurt. Simple solution to idiotic so-called Anti-Theft "feature". Obviously designed to frustrate the owner, rather than thwart that infamous "Ford Spare Tire Theft Ring" we've been hearing so much about on the news. LOL
Sometimes, if you drive in a lot of dirt or mud, the hole will get packed full of dirt. I had a company F250 in a rock quarry and had this problem. Used a steam cleaner to spray in the hole and removed the crud. It worked, but it is a crappy design. If you feel it slipping, be careful because you are more than likely stripping the key out.
Hi. Thanks for the info .we have a 2004 150 with the same problem . We can't get the spare down and have tried getting a 9/16 socket in there without success ...i heard that a gator socket might work . We live outside a small town and the Ford dealer wasn't any help . Called tire places. No good ...they say cut the cable but than would mean buying another hoist. Too much cost. Could you please email me with any advice? Id really appreciate if. Thanks .
Thanks for the video. I found out about this problem the hard way. The engineers that came up with the "bright idea" of requiring a small, easily lose-able object to access your spare time should be shot. This thing has probably prevented 3 thefts and caused 50 thousand legitimate owners to be stranded on the side of the road.
I agree. Im sure the engineers who came up with this "bright idea" don't use there own ideas. They have there trucks made so they don't get stranded. I knew a guy years back who was pretty dumb, he didn't know what 12x12 was. Yet he went to become an engineer. So if we have idiots like that trying to save lives, keep us safe, my golly its no wonder people get hit along the side of the highway. The extra time it takes to find that dumb little piece, could have saved a life. I've been working on automobiles since I was a kid. My grandpa taught me, so I'm old school. If it waste time, I modify it to save time. In this case, where ford made this darn little key. I have a 1997 ford expedition, I took the newer winch style out, and replaced it with an older version. Yep the older one mounts the same way and lines up. The heck with these new age engineers, all they know how to do is wear a suit and tie. I hate suit and tie people, til the day I see one of them lazy good for nothings, get grease on there hands and change out a axle, transmission or even change oil for that matter. Will I take their word for that there idea will work. Until then there is no suit and tie person going to tell me how to make something, how to operate something, or how to add 1+1. The best anti theft device for the spare tire, would have been to put the hole behind a door that locks with the key to the truck. Now days it can go behind the liftgates or tailgates as they lock with the key. Thus preventing anyone from sticking there long handle in to take our tire. As you said 3, it might be 3 engineers, who ticked someone off. Cause I have not heard of anyone getting there spare tire stolen. I hear more about peoples cars and trucks being put on jack stands and all 4 tires are stolen, the spare tire still there. Lol Considerate thieves, thought it through better then the engineers and left the spare.
@@scottdennis7387 Come on guys. There's always worse things than that in life. I love my small Ford pickup, I'm just happy I watch this video before I find out on the side of the road like 50,002 other people... ;) Life is short guys, enjoy it and forget about small things like that!!! As long as health is there, it's just a small problem. Keep smiling. Good day to you all.
Even WITH the key ('03, new to me) I can't get the winch down, assume it's caked w/ dirt. No tire under there now, will blast with penetrating oil and perform this operation. Some tin foil and a rag for the guide end as well. Thanks kd and thanks to the internet.
I just bought a new key with the lock part from Ford for my 05 F250. Not sure why he claimed they don't make em anymore. I still have to get my tire down to change the lock part though. Then I think I'll send in the card that nobody ever sends in to register it. That way if it ever gets lost I can order the one that fits my lock. Same with my "new to me" 2000 F350 that still has the registration card in the glove box. LOL
thanks!. after I removed mine I found it to be packed with dirt might try a squirt of penetrating fluid and air pressure before going to a nut grabber.
Worked like a charm. Like some commenters, I initially could not get the 15mm extractor to grab onto the lock. I solved this problem by blowing compressed air ( through a narrow tube) into the funnel. I probably got a shot glass of dust blow out and then the extractor grabbed right away. Thank you, Kurt Noakes, you are a credit to humanity!
After calling and going into numerous Ford dealerships, I about gave up on trying to get the spare tire lowered. I watched your video, ordered the parts you said and tried it out today. IT WORKED! I can raise and lower my spare tire now without that stupid anti theft key in it. Thanks for the video.
2002 Ford F350 / This worked GREAT! I ended up using a standard cheap 9/16" socket that I pounded on to the key without having to purchase the more expensive 15mm mentioned in the video. I purchased the 3/8" driver extensions at Harbor Freight for $15.00. It took me less then 20 minutes to remove the key retract the tire back into position.
Thanks again this was a cost saving great video!
I cannot thank you enough for this post. Used a 14mm extractor socket (had to use a hammer to set it on the lock) Pulled out the tube by hand and everything else happened just as you demonstrated. I appreciate you so much for using UA-cam to offer something helpful for a LOT of people. Thanks again!
Dude...thanks a million! This worked very well for me. I have a 2005 F250 with a steel flat bed. Spare tire was missing so I didn't need to drop anything. There was plenty of room for me to work on the winch so I didn't remove that either. All I used was a small pair of vise grips and that little lock popped right out, took about 60 seconds. I can now put a spare tire under my truck bed...and it didn't cost me a dime! I love UA-cam!
Kurt..You da Man!! Bought my son his first truck-'03 F150 4x4. It didn't come with THE KEY adapter. Used a 24" extension (from Harbor Freight ~$15) & 14mm (12pt socket). 12 point socket is what did the trick for me. The socket just grabbed the key without needing to bang it in. After lowering/removing the spare & plastic guide tube, I used a long flat tipped screwdriver to pry the key right out. I did it with the hoist still installed....had the spare down & key out
I just bought an '03 F-150 in immaculate condition with 65K miles on it. The key was still sealed in the package and it was obvious the jack had never been used. So, lowered the tire, took the winch out, pulled the insert from the winch and threw that and the key out. Anybody with '97-'03 Ford pickups should do this, as you don't want to be stuck someplace and be missing the key, or find the key does not work! Thanks for the video!
Great Solution! I have a 2005 F350, which I bought used, and I'll be using your method to get the winch lowered. Thanks for taking the time to post this video.
You are a real American Hero! The whole thing took maybe 15 minutes, saved me a lot of money and worked beautifully. I can't thank you enough!
Kurt - thanks so much. I just bought a used 1999 Ford Ranger and I could not figure out how the tire comes down. Further - It was sold to me without a jack and all the other tire change accessories. You did a great job videoing this procedure and it has given me peace and now I can get on to getting the spare tire down and saving a few bucks and then knowing how to deal with a flat tire on the roadside should a tire ever fail me in the future. Thanks so much!!!!!!!!!
Excellent tip. I didn't need to use the extraction device. I could lower the tire but not raise. Once I got the guide off I found that the key was ready to come out. With a screw driver I easily pried the key out and then was able to raise the tire. Thanks for the video, saved me time and money.
I followed your advice and it worked perfectly. Thank you for your time you spent in doing this. Before your video I went to 2 dealerships. One was $60 and the other was for $90. They said I had to buy a new switch because they don't have spare keys that they can sell. Thanks again.
Sweet baby Jesus! I have been trying to find a key to get my spare tire down for years. You have solved my problem. Thank you!!!!!!
Thanks Kurt. Your solution worked beautifully for my '01 350 dually. I just got this truck and did not even know I had the spare tire problem until I went to install a gooseneck hitch and needed to remove the tire for access. Your solution saved the day!
Thank you for making this video. I have the special keyed socket but it does not stay seated well and I keep having to tap it back on. You have shown me a way to get rid of the need for the special socket. I'm not worried about my spare tire being stole anyway.
Awesome info.
Long story short....Had the spare tire down, but couldn't even got the cable all the way down. Took the truck in for service, asked them to figure out the issue and put the tire back up under the truck. They told me that the hoist was broken, and offered to sell me one for $350. Found a replacement for $135 on Ebay. Turns out all I needed was this little trick and about 10 minutes of my time. Talk about a money saver.
Thanks for this video! I had a flat today and ended up borrowing a spare tire from my sister since I wasn't able to get my spare down. Now after I get mine back in order I'll do this and save myself a headache next time.. Excellent video!!
Thanks Kurt. I got my spare to lower with much work, but I could not get the winch key to grab and raise the spare tire once the original tire was repaired. I watched how to remove the funnel tube and then grabbed the key nut attached to the winch with a pair of locking pliers and it popped right out. You saved me about $275, because the dealership wanted to replace the entire winch, which works perfect. Vehicle is a 2005 Ford F-250 Super Duty
Just finished the job on my 2008 F-450. Ten minute job after a lot of frustration before finding this video. Thanks!
thanks! I got stuck on the side of the road in middle of nowhere, luckily a guy stopped that was driving a Ford truck and we used his key. Thank God! Now I am going to get rid of that little sucker! Thanks for the Video!
This was very helpful, thanks a lot for posting it. Only thing I can add is I think the easiest way to get the plastic pipe off is to twist it pretty hard using both hands. Mine wouldn't pull off but easily came off once I twisted it.
Hi again. I have great news which might help others with the same problem. We removed the rubber tube. Then we could clearly see the key. With me shining a lights thru the top of the bumper my brother got a 9/16 six point socket on it. I banged the extension with a hammer. It was now on tight . Turned it right out . Then removed the hoist. No big deal. Then knocked the damned key out and voila! The key ...no pun intended ...is removing the rubber hose thing so you can see. Thanks again!
Thanks!!! Simple solution that saved me $270 ($250 for the assembly that holds the lock and cable + $20 for the lock). Can't thank you enough.
Thank you for your help . We worked on this tire for 2 hours in the cold . Finally I found you on youtube and now I know what I need to do. Thanks again.
Thank you for posting this video! I have the same issue on my F250 and will be correcting it today. Really nice to have people like you take the time to document these kinds of issues, which the dealers all too often ignore.
Just bought F250 with no special socket, thanks for taking the time to show us your knowledge on Fords crappy anti thief bullshit.
That's brilliant! I've been trying to think of a way to get that tire out all all day
Thank you so much! I went to Sears and bought their bolt removal kit and used the #9 socket. It worked like a champ the first time. I took the lift out and pried out the key like is shown here. It didn't take 3 minutes to get the tire down! My wife said why use a key if it is so easy to get down? Good question! The Ford dealer said I had to cut the cable and buy a new lift mechanism. Not even Close!
Thank you for posting this. Saved me $200 for a new assembly. I still have my socket key but it is all stripped out from years of use. I was thinking I was gonna have to buy a new assembly until I came across this.
Thanks Kurt, your trick still works. I used the 14mm Extractor Socket (5 pc. kit $27.99) and POUNDED it on with a rubber mallet, then used my Rigid screw gun on Hammer Drill and the tire dropped FAST NO PROBLEM. I have the King Ranch 2003 2X4 step side model.
9/16 6pt worked for me. Me one happy camper. You saved me money time and grief. Thanks.
thanks we have been looking for solution to this for years but no real need yesterday had a flat. had aaa drop truk at home. took look on net for fixes and here you were thanks for the quick fixes
Great info. I had a flat in the middle of nowhere and there was no key for the spare lock. finally had a customer who drove to my location and helped me get the flat off, then took me to a tire store (35 miles away) to buy a new tire then back to the truck to put it on. After all this I went to Ford to buy a replacement but to no avail. Now Ford cannot get the lock keys and had to send me to the manufacturer of the assembly (Ford did not make it themselves) who told me it would cost about $500.00 to replace the system. Thanks for the great info!
Thanx do posting this vid!! I was out in d middle of no where taking my son out for his ATV experience.. N ran over a piece of steel sticking out.. Blew d tire n was able to get it fixed Thanx to ur vid!!
This is what makes UA-cam great. Thanks for taking the time.
Thanks for posting the item# and sizes of the exact parts needed to make this work. I was able to call my local Sears and confirm they had it in stock before I made the trip. This worked on the first try and I was able to get the spare tire down (from my 2002 F250) very quickly and easily by using this method.
I was fortunate that the previous owner was not able to winch the tire fully up. It was hanging down a couple of inches on the cable and I was able to turn and move it enough to get a socket on the winch nuts and remove them enabling me to slide the winch CCW (looking from below). I was then able to reach over the frame with vise grips and turn the stupid nut thingy 1/2 a turn at a time to lower the tire and get it out of the way and pry out the "nut". Put everything back. Works great. Thanks!
Thank you , I've been thinking about how to go about this for a few weeks now without cutting it & even have two sets of the tools you used in my box.
Worked perfect for me. The number 9 extractor fit perfect. This really saved my butt, I would have been in a world of hurt if I had not noticed that spare wheel carrier lock was in there.
Many thanks. 2 bits of information: use the 3/8 drive extraction socket. I bought a set from sears but it was 1/2 in drive and I had to force the socket through the guide tube. For those who remove the wench, the 250 and 350 seem to use 13 mm.
A side note to the other posters, he clarifies that it was easier to work on with the wench removed ("when you don't have to work on your back")
thank you for taking the time....i have an 03 superduty and I have the key but being up in Western New York....well....we get winter and salt and the like. I'm actually replacing a brake line and it will be so much easier w/spare out of the way
Worked on my 2008 F250, but I needed to hammer the extraction tool to get enough bite.
Also needed to make an access hole in the custom bed, Thanks a lot!
Thank you for making this and the work you put in to show how to fix this problem! Great Job Kurt!
We just found the special key in the glove compartment. Never ever knew it was there. duh Good video for those that don't have the key.
I had a flat recently and the tow truck driver was clueless on how to lower the spare. Turned out he wouldn't have been much help, both duallies were flat. I had to figure out how to lower it and the next tow truck guy they sent (after I took one tire to be fixed and remounted,broke the bead) knew how to lower the spare, after I already figured it out. Both tow truck drivers had been doing it for 4 years. One has managed to learn nothing. I have the special added pleasure of having to raise my camper up to access the winch hole in the bumper. It wasn't a good 3 days.
Thank you soooo much!!! I thought I was loosing my mind when I couldn't get that darn thing down!!! You solved that problem for me. Now I don't need psych meds. LOL
You are an American hero!!! A truly good person.
Thanks!! Great practical idea that works. Once wheel was down, I used vise-grips to grab protruding end of "lock" and tapped pliers with hammer a few times and lock unit came right out. No need to remove assembly.
Thanks Kurt, great video, easy to understand, saves all of Us a lot of grief.
Hi. Thanks for the video . My brother has an 04 150. The key was missing but since it was supposed to be in the glove box. But we didn't know to look there. We assumed it would be with the jack. Silly us expecting logic right ? Ford really dropped the ball on this one. Anyhow thanks again . Now to get a 15 mm extraction socket and find enough extensions . Not only did Ford do this knuckleheaded idea but there seem to be more than one key type so even if you found one it might not fit!
Thanks buddy. There is almost always a work around if you are persistent enough.
Thank You, i bought my truck used also, similar to urs in the video. call the dealer with them telling me they will not be able to fix it. Great idea!! with this video.
Great video. I'll keep it in mind next time I drop a spare on a truck using this system.
I'm ditching the winch on my F150 as they've been known to fail and drop the spare onto the road. I'll replace it with a traditional "nut and bolt" style holder from another vehicles swing-out tire holder.
I have 2004 F250. Didn't have key for spare tire. This worked great. Used a 16mm bolt extractor which I bought as part of a 5 piece kit - brand was Irwin.
This video fixed my problem in like 5 minutes.
Thanks for video and comments,went out this morning and had a flat tire,found the rod to stick through hole to access bolt to lower tire,would do nothing but turn,watched the video which great help but no extraction tool and no one to ride me to store,then i read futher and a comment was made that they put key in glove box and not with jack,hardly ever use my tool box,went out to truck and could not believe it my key was in glove box,and worked easily,so look in your glove box before all other remedies
Thanks a lot for your help... Save ton of time and money... Im from utah too, provo... Have a great time.
Thanks. I have the key and the spare was never used in 10 years. I got the extraction tool (kit) at sears for 34.00. That included 10 pieces. They one that works goes in a 7/16 socket. After removing the holder, I tried to use the key. There is no way that the key would work. The grooves in the lock are way too shallow too work on an older rusty holder. Thanks again for the fix.
Thank you . Thank you. Can't thank you enough. Your awesome
Awsome. great job bud. Boy I'll tell you talk about ridiculous.
I'm in the same boat and I'm a welder but I cant weld something else on it until I get the tire down & winch off truck. Time for a new invention where a 1/2" drive protrudes out past the bumper for easy access.
Great. Thanks. Someone putting the internet to good use. Saved me (and I am sure a lot of people) a lot of time and trouble. Ford eventually put a lock on the bumper to prevent access.
Thank you for this video ! Luckily I saw it before needing my spare.
thank you for showing that, u r awesome, u saved me a big headache
Sir, you are a lifesaver.
Thank you so much.
Just changed my tires, including the spare. I have the anti-theft key but still had a hard time getting the spare down, and unable to get it back up. Either the keyway on the winch is messed up or it's packed solid with dirt. I'm going to pull the winch out and if it's too messed up will remove that key way. Good video and advice!
I bought the SAE version of extraction sockets from Harbor Freight and I was able to pound on the 9/16 socket to make it grab and lower the tire.
Thank you for posting the video. Once I found out the key was missing. First thing I did was go to UA-cam. So thanks again
works on a 06 also! Thanks! Saved me 100 bucks!
Wow. Thank you for taking the time to video this solution!!!
Great, informative video. Thanks for taking your time to create it!
'02 F250: I bought the SAE standard extractor sockets ($20) from Harbor Freight and used the 9/16 socket. Do not buy the Harbor Freight metric set because it does not include a 15mm socket. I also bought their 3/8" drive 24" extension ($15). Everything worked fine until I realized my spare was flat too.
Thanks! You just saved me a lot of time and money.
Thanks. I was putting off replacing the whole assembly. Glad I did.
This really will work. I did have to get a 15mm stripped nut socket from Craftsman that was smooth on the outside. You can't use the Erwin style with the large nut on the outside it wont fit in the plastic sleeve leading to the anti theft fitting. All I had to do is run the socket and extension into the sleeve and tap it a bit so it would bite into the fitting and cranked it down. I did two of these ford trucks in about 45 min. This had to be one of the most bone head idea's for us out here in the mid west. we have dirt and snow in that tube all the time. There was no way that key was ever going to engage the fitting. Thanks for the video.
Great video! You just saved me a lot of money
good video, thanks helped out a lot in removing mine off my 01 F350.
Thanks for posting this. I went to Harbor Freight and got their extraction sockets. Their metric sockets only come w/ 14mm and 16mm. The 14mm was too small and the 16mm was too big. Where did you get your 15 mm extractor and how much did it cost?
of all vid's, liked your's best,, My HF, sold out Metric on extractor set, so got SAE, and 5/8" close to 15mm. tapped it on, and felt it seat, as turn my 3/8" drive racket, I feel the resistance of the winch screw turning, but my tire not dropping, LOL,,,, fear must find another way, frustrating !!!
I think is great that people like your self take the time to post this info I am in this same problem right now so I am going to have to buy a extraction socket if Ican find one where did you get that socket??
Thanks Ishta. I used your advice. Pounded that bitch on with an an engineers maul onto a very long extension. The winch was then (and only then) able to be cranked down after watching this video by Kurt and your comment. UA-cam is a wonderful thing.
You just save me a ton of trouble, Thanks.
Great video, thanks for the info!! That lock is a nightmare to deal with on a highway (or anywhere)
Do what you have to to get lock cylinder out..Two screwdrivers and vice grips..some muscle... it will fall in or come out...mine fell in and no prob getting wheel down there after.. this page gave me idea..thx
My '99 F-150 Lariat doesn't use a special socket... Last time I dropped the spare, I just used the bar? Maybe mine is messed up lol I bought it new though... I'll check it out. Thanks for the vid, man!!
Thank you very very much! 2006 F350. Alberta Canada
VERY smart. Thanks for sharing this.
Thanks Kurt. Simple solution to idiotic so-called Anti-Theft "feature". Obviously designed to frustrate the owner, rather than thwart that infamous "Ford Spare Tire Theft Ring" we've been hearing so much about on the news. LOL
I did not have to remove the winch, I just pried the anti theft piece out with 2 screwdrivers, very easy, about 5 minutes.
Thanks for video been wondering how I was going get spare down
Very helpful video. I have no key ,jack or handle.. lol so i am starting from strach.
Sometimes, if you drive in a lot of dirt or mud, the hole will get packed full of dirt. I had a company F250 in a rock quarry and had this problem. Used a steam cleaner to spray in the hole and removed the crud. It worked, but it is a crappy design. If you feel it slipping, be careful because you are more than likely stripping the key out.
Hi. Thanks for the info .we have a 2004 150 with the same problem . We can't get the spare down and have tried getting a 9/16 socket in there without success ...i heard that a gator socket might work . We live outside a small town and the Ford dealer wasn't any help . Called tire places. No good ...they say cut the cable but than would mean buying another hoist. Too much cost. Could you please email me with any advice? Id really appreciate if. Thanks .
Thanks for the video. I found out about this problem the hard way. The engineers that came up with the "bright idea" of requiring a small, easily lose-able object to access your spare time should be shot. This thing has probably prevented 3 thefts and caused 50 thousand legitimate owners to be stranded on the side of the road.
50,001 now.
@@SuperPhilthyrich 50,002 as of today
I agree. Im sure the engineers who came up with this "bright idea" don't use there own ideas. They have there trucks made so they don't get stranded. I knew a guy years back who was pretty dumb, he didn't know what 12x12 was. Yet he went to become an engineer. So if we have idiots like that trying to save lives, keep us safe, my golly its no wonder people get hit along the side of the highway. The extra time it takes to find that dumb little piece, could have saved a life. I've been working on automobiles since I was a kid. My grandpa taught me, so I'm old school. If it waste time, I modify it to save time. In this case, where ford made this darn little key. I have a 1997 ford expedition, I took the newer winch style out, and replaced it with an older version. Yep the older one mounts the same way and lines up. The heck with these new age engineers, all they know how to do is wear a suit and tie. I hate suit and tie people, til the day I see one of them lazy good for nothings, get grease on there hands and change out a axle, transmission or even change oil for that matter. Will I take their word for that there idea will work. Until then there is no suit and tie person going to tell me how to make something, how to operate something, or how to add 1+1. The best anti theft device for the spare tire, would have been to put the hole behind a door that locks with the key to the truck. Now days it can go behind the liftgates or tailgates as they lock with the key. Thus preventing anyone from sticking there long handle in to take our tire. As you said 3, it might be 3 engineers, who ticked someone off. Cause I have not heard of anyone getting there spare tire stolen. I hear more about peoples cars and trucks being put on jack stands and all 4 tires are stolen, the spare tire still there. Lol Considerate thieves, thought it through better then the engineers and left the spare.
@@scottdennis7387 Come on guys. There's always worse things than that in life. I love my small Ford pickup, I'm just happy I watch this video before I find out on the side of the road like 50,002 other people... ;) Life is short guys, enjoy it and forget about small things like that!!! As long as health is there, it's just a small problem. Keep smiling. Good day to you all.
Thanks to all. The 9/16" extractor worked great after I got the 16 mm extractor out from my black tube. It was too large and got stuck.
Thank you so much for the information
Thank you,I’m struggling with that as we speak
Even WITH the key ('03, new to me) I can't get the winch down, assume it's caked w/ dirt. No tire under there now, will blast with penetrating oil and perform this operation. Some tin foil and a rag for the guide end as well. Thanks kd and thanks to the internet.
I just bought a new key with the lock part from Ford for my 05 F250. Not sure why he claimed they don't make em anymore. I still have to get my tire down to change the lock part though. Then I think I'll send in the card that nobody ever sends in to register it. That way if it ever gets lost I can order the one that fits my lock. Same with my "new to me" 2000 F350 that still has the registration card in the glove box. LOL
awesome video! i always had tin snips in my tool box incase i needed my spare. I guess ill take your advice and this mod.
thanks!. after I removed mine I found it to be packed with dirt might try a squirt of penetrating fluid and air pressure before going to a nut grabber.