Dumb question of the day- Spare Tire

[Luckyd77]

How do you lower spare tire on an fj60?

 

[FJ40Jim]

After 30 years? Usually with a cutting torch.

Try using the hand crank and extension rods that came in the tool kit. Go in through the little alignment tab that hangs beneath tailgate, above rear bumper. Go straight forward to engage drive unit, turn CCW to lower.

 

[Luckyd77]

tool kit is long gone. are there other tools that i could get out of the auto or hardware store that i could use?

 

[micruz60]

You will need a 1/2" dia. Rod, about 4 feet long, with a 'T' at the end to engage cam/ release mechanism. I had to REALLY torque to release the spare. Difficult to get rusty / seized chain oiled 'Liquid Wrench' with tire in the way.
Good luck!

 

[SteveH]

Shine a light above the bumper along the top of the spare, and you'll see the slotted end piece that engages the rod. If the truck has spent its life on the east coast, then FJ40Jim is likely correct. Many of us drop the spare 1x/year and check the pressure and liberally grease the tire winch mechanism with spray white lithium grease.

 

[Living in the Past]

Find someone local who have a tool kit and see if it will lower. If that doesn't work option two which is not to easy to do but you could remove the whole tire carrier by unbolting from the frame rails. Then once you have it out remove the four bolts hold the winch to main bracket. At that point you should be able to get winch loose from wheel. At that point you may be able to get the winch working. So far all you if anything got destroyed it was only some bolts. Non of these are fix nuts are filled so now nuts and bolts an your set.

 

[Spudman]

There is never a dumb question on mud , it's always those that are too dumb to ask a question that always get stuck

 

[Luckyd77]

Thanks guys... When it warms up a little, I'll attack this...

 

[philthyphil]

I have the tool kit bit the mechanisim is so old I can't get enough ass on her too turn. I use a socket large enough (36) to fit over the spindle with a bunch of big washers (3-4) stacked inside and duct taped together to fit in the groove, attach a long socket extension or two and turn with a socket wrench. Turns easy, I think everything is 1/2" because the socket is so big. Found that trick on this site...

 

[SmartyPants]

Start using some penetrating oil on it now, spray the mechanism down liberally every week until you decide to try and lower it. Mine was stuck at first , but after 4 good doses, it came down pretty easily. I cleaned it up and it works really good now.

 

[TobyB]

I used the half- inch rod method with an 8mm bolt drilled and tapped into the end perpendicular to the rod.

Fits the ears, and with a limited amount of swearing, lowered the tire.

t

 

[sitesbyjoe]

Glad I found this question! I looked at my spare tire under my FJ60 for the first time and was like "How the heck do I lower this thing???" I came inside, searched and here's the answer. I also explains at least one use of the strange rod with the hook at the end that was under the driver's seat!

Love this site!

 

[fabiodaddy]

I've used the key for my sprinkler shut-off valve. Doesn't fit through the slot of course but if you are careful you can rest it on top of spare and slide one side of the U shaped key into the slot of the winch. Gives you a lot more leverage than the normal tool. Spray it with lots of pb blaster or whatever first. I had to lower and raise a little at a time back and forth and it finally worked.

 

[DoubleNickels]

I've used the key for my sprinkler shut-off valve. Doesn't fit through the slot of course but if you are careful you can rest it on top of spare and slide one side of the U shaped key into the slot of the winch. Gives you a lot more leverage than the normal tool. Spray it with lots of pb blaster or whatever first. I had to lower and raise a little at a time back and forth and it finally worked.

Haha, I've done the same. I traveled around with that sprinkler wrench in my car for about 10 months before finding the stock tools on a part-out. Dig it.

 

[Eyeorg]

Couldnt remove my spare tire no matter what I tried. I think its been there since it was made. So I just took the whole dang thing off, so much easier.