wvmtb

Just bought an 02 F150. The person I bought it from had the spare in the bed of the truck. I thought no big deal. I'll put it under the bed later.

Problem #1: Like a fool I never checked when I bought truck and it doesn't have the jack or tools.
Fix: I get the jack from 04 F150 and the tools. Now I'm set(I thought)!

Problem #2: Thanks to ford there is a odd socket type thing that goes on the rod to raise/lower the spare. And for some reason an 04 won't fit on an 02.
Fix: Need to get this special socket/key.

Problem #3: Don't knot where to get this socket/key thing from.
Fix: Someone post on here and tell me where I might find such thing other than going to the stealership.

Also I noticed on the other truck that it has a black tube that goes from the rear bumper to the lowering mechanism. Guess it guides it into the right place. Is it possible to raise/lower a spare without this?

ericdg16

where you located??

I only ask, because a 315/75 inch tire won't fit in my stock location and I have plans to mount a spare elsewhere.
I might would sell all my hardware, though I haven't checked to make sure my truck has it either.

Maxximus

Your Ford dealer should have a master set so the can figure out which key your truck needs to drop the spare. I was told there's about 20+ different keys they used on the spares on these trucks. Kind of a pain in the butt, but there's really no other way around it. I learned this one the hard way too lol

wvmtb

Internet & forums pages are the greatest thing. Here are a couple fixed I found from different sites...

"i tried getting to the winch above the spare tire with a variety of tools...no such luck. So i brainstormed a little bit more and i ended up taking a socket with a somewhat tight fit over the key insert point and filled the socket with JB weld. Hopefully the socket adheres to the spot and i will be able to stick a 1/2" drive into the socket and lower the spare tire. I will keep you guys informed. Thanks for the help."
"The JB weld held. I also ended up welding the 1/2" drive on to the crank bar. Works perfectly. I now have a spare tire."

"I lowered my spare with a SEARS CRAFTSMAN stripped bolt head remover kit."

"Take out the two bolts that hold the winch in place, and drop the winch through the hole so you can work on the key in the open....you will have to work the guide tube loose before droping the winch. With a flat screw driver and a pair of plyers, pull the key. Put the winch back in place, connect the guide tube, and bolt back. Now it will work w/o a key."

There were some other "fixes" for this. But those are on the top of my list of things to try. I think I'm going to try the last option 1st. I'm not worried and don't have the need to worry about someone stealing my spare so I think a lock on the spare is stupid and a pain in the ****.

wvmtb

I'm in West Virginia

ericdg16

yeah, you're prolly better off finding a fix than getting the parts from me then.

Let us know which fix works best for you, good luck

meanmerc

Well mine is the same but the previous owner told he cut the cable cause he couldn't get his tire down, so a couple of weeks ago I puuled the whole unit off and the cable was never cut... but the piece that you insert the rod in to crank down was all corroded, but it looks like a 1/2" drive extension is what fits in there, anyways found a smashed truck yesterday and went and pulled the unit off it, it is split open but it cranks down and up so and has the same 1/2" socket hole to crank, I will try to close it back up with bolts or something after I pack it with grease!

AFSOCSGT

I just bought a 2003 missing the keyed socket also. I cut the cable off, dropped the spare, unbolted the lift mechanism from the truck. I was able to knock the keyed insert out, (with hammer) from there I used cable swedges to secure the parts back on the cable. The stock jack handle fits in the hole where the insert was. Also a 3/8 ratched extension fits also.

baldtire

Heres a place that lets you know how to id which key you need and buy one if you like.
http://www.lockworld.com/specials2.htm

punkorpunket

I have mine for the 98 f150 that i never use. i think my original spare is still under there to. whats your offer ill sell mine