OEM spare tire chain crank

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I just don't get it. My (stock) spare is just hanging so low it doesn't look possible that they would have designed the thing this way and for all I can tell it's really way up there with no space left though. It's tilted quite a bit down in the front and looks just about even with the bottom of the rear pumpkin. This normal?
And then I tried to read about this raising-the-spare mod and couldn't make sense of that either besides it using bolts as spacers some where.... Is there a good description of this mod somewhere?
Sheesh.... what a day on the spare front...
E
 
E - at the risk of hyjacking my own thread... the spare mod is pretty easy. It's best to just drop the spare and then have a look. You will see the crank thingy is mounted to a rectangular piece of steel that runs crosswise to the truck.

What you want to do is raise that whole assembly up. To do that you need some longer bolts and some nuts or spacers to act as a spacer. Remove the 4 (or is it 6) bolts that hold that steel cross bracket and replace with longer bolts and spacers. If you look at this with the tire removed you will get what I'm talking about. It's harder to explain than to do.

Now what I asked in the beginning of this thread is that when raising this up, it might make it more difficult to use the crank assembly (because of the angles). I'm not sure and was looking for comment on that. I know that after raising the bracket up, some guys (like C-Dan) then moved the crank thingy back down again (using longer bolts and spacers going to other way). I think this helps with the alignment of the tool into the "socket".

Hope this helps.

Dave - I'm still open on either method, I even hate the OEM tool so the socket drive idea is still open for debate. I'd like to learn about welding. :D

Riley
 
[quote author=Riley link=board=2;threadid=15779;start=msg150687#msg150687 date=1083725520]

Now what I asked in the beginning of this thread is that when raising this up, it might make it more difficult to use the crank assembly (because of the angles). I'm not sure and was looking for comment on that.
[/quote]

Raised mine as far as I could and still be able to access the crank assembly....about 1.5 -2 inches IIRC.
 
couple welders at the shop, my little mig went up on me so I only have stick at home. we can play some time with it if you would like.
Dave
 
So why even extend it to the hole? Just weld an old socket over the existing crank device with 1/2 or 3/4 opening. Then just get two Harbor Freight extensions and a swivel and your set up.
 
I wonder if you could design a PTO Spare Tire Crank..... ;)


That would be sweet!!!!!
 
Hey Dave,

Instead of

[quote author=Safado link=board=2;threadid=15779;start=msg150986#msg150986 date=1083776407]
So why even extend it to the hole? Just weld an old socket over the existing crank device with 1/2 or 3/4 opening. Then just get two Harbor Freight extensions and a swivel and your set up.
[/quote]

why not just elimnate the old socket welded off to the turn crank and use the hooked bar in the OEM enegency kit to turn the crank. :D

:beer:
Rookie2
 
thats it I am gonna have to get up off my a$$ and come get you you little punks.
watch out for the grey pig
Dave
 
Two swivel joints, center bar to cross the span...bracket with bearings for the outer swivel joint...hex head at the hole in bumper to put a drill or impact into and to deter thieves.

What was that about a bumper carrier? ;)
 
[quote author=Phaedrus link=board=2;threadid=15779;start=msg150999#msg150999 date=1083777423]
thats it I am gonna have to get up off my a$$ and come get you you little punks.
[/quote]

Sounds good. Bring the stick welder with you.

:D
Rookie2
 
the spare tire drives me nuts also. I really like the pvc pipe as a guide. Maybe just paint it black or something.

Do you guys really think that when the truck was new at around $40,000, that a soccer mom would really go through the trouble to get at the spare? ::) I just think it's the only design flaw of the 80. :cheers:
 
I don't get this, all these socket things are much easier for a thief to figure out than the OEM gizmo...
E
 
I considered putting a plate with an airtight cover in the cargo bed to hoist the thing up.
 
[quote author=e9999 link=board=2;threadid=15779;start=msg151070#msg151070 date=1083784431]
I don't get this, all these socket things are much easier for a thief to figure out than the OEM gizmo...
E

[/quote]
Might be a concern where you're at, but I've NEVER heard of a spare tire being stolen. The purpose is not theft deterence, but rather easier access. Having had to change a tire on the side of a busy freeway recently, I like the idea of anything to speed up the proccess. Besides, on the bracket that rests in the spare wheel, there is a hole for a padlock, to lock the spare.
 
Now that is sounding like a true enginerring challenge. jeeze pvc pipe to guide you.
sissies....
God I hope you guys know im kidding.
Dave
 
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