Long story short, but I ended up getting a flat, and when I went to change my tire, I noticed my spare was completely gone. It appears as though the entire assembly is missing, and the tire cable is completely frayed. Any opinions if this was cut/stolen, or if it appears as though it broke off at some point?

 

It is a common problem, broken cable.
Makes you wonder where did the spare end up.

 

A spare wheel being jettisoned out the back of a moving vehicle wouldn't go undetected - noise, resulting commotion behind, etc..

Suspect that the spare was borrowed.
.

 

I'm also of this opinion, unless it happens on a woods road or something . I just have no idea how someone could cut the wire that high up in there. I would have thought if it was cut that the wire would be hanging down. I just figured I'd post and get some opinions.

 

It's a popular thing to do here in Houston, stealing spares and tailgates as well as tail lights.

 

Yikes! I hope it wasn't dropped on/off the road somewhere! If you bought the truck used have you ever even looked at the spare tire? Maybe it was missing before you took ownership.

 

Bought brand new. It was definitely there. It could have been missing for years for all I know. The truck is 3 years old now.

 

Mines been under the truck for 9 years without a problem
I'd say it was borrowed
But I suppose it could have come loose & started to spin....then broke
Just hard to imagine not noticing a tire spinning off a truck
Dark nite, no traffic.....radio cranked....possible