I wish I had read this thread BEFORE I proceeded to cut the wire. But thanks for this thread! I don't have to buy a new winch and stupid asz key though. Now, I just have to figure out how to re-attach the wires so that it can hold a 100 lbs tire. Any ideas?

I wonder if Home Depot or Lowes would have such a thing to attach two wires.

 

you may be able run the cable thru the holder and get a cable clamp to hold it

make a loop after you pass thru the hole and clamp the cable to itself

or if you have access to a welder pair the cables side by side so they overlap for an inch or so and weld them together

you dont want it too long because it may not wind up tight

good luck

 

Well, my brother and I finally found the time to replace my spare tire lock.

After completeing this task I can surely add that it would have been impossible to access the spare tire on the side of the road if I had had a flat tire and needed the spare.

We first put the truck up on his electric vehicle lift. After safely locking the lift in place, we first removed the trailer hitch wiring connectors, then the hitch receiver, twisted and removed the license plate lights from their sockets, then removed the rear bumper nuts, and the bumper.

This allowed access to the guide tube which I gently rocked side to side until it came off of the winch. Then with a long shaft small blade screwdriver entering from the driver side of the truck, pried the old lock out of the winch. After removing the old lock from the top of the spare tire, the new lock was inserted into the winch socket. The handle of the screw driver was then used to tap the new lock into the socket. Replaced the guide tube, the bumper, trailer hitch, etc. and I am good to go.

I would not have been aware of this problem if it had not been for this thread. Thanks for making me aware of my problem and the tips from you guys that have worked through this before me.

 

I realize this is an old thread but I wanted to thank all who posted. I had a flat yesterday out of town on my 2002 F150 SuperCrew, the tire could not be repaired and the spare could not be removed since I had no key. I called the dealer, the lock manufacturer McGuard (sp?) number provided by dealer, several tire places, salvage yards, roadside assistance, and my ex with no help. I remembered a co-worker had similar truck but one year newer and borrowed his but it was the wrong "pattern". I ended up having to buy a new tire since it was nearly closing time for everyone and I wasn't getting anywhere.

Once I got home I did a Google search which lead me here. I scanned the responses and plan to read them more thoroughly after work but wanted to post a thank you to all. I will find someone to remove the lock asap so this doesn't happen again.

kh19987

 

I have a spare McGuard replacement lock set for this if you are interested in it. Brand new and never used as I purchased it, installed it and then found the key to the original lock and put it back in.

 

Thank you KellerAg you saved me and my 03 Supercab. I honestly could go on and on but I'll simply say thank you for a spot on post.

 

I had that issue when I bought my 2003 ford. Was told by Ford that couldn't get the key. Was told by one mechanic to get a set of sockets for removing stripped bolts and one of thouse would work to lower the Tire then I could remove the spare tire lock. Fortunately for me in my glove compartment there was a small rubber bag that had information on the tire lock and a part number on it. I assume it was what the spare tire lock was in when the truck was new. There was a number on there I called it and gave them number off piece of paper and they were able to ship me new key. So I didn't have to go though trying to get it out. I was told by one ford dealer they had a way of drilling the lock out. Not sure how but did. I found on Utube a video on how to remove the spare tire lock to in my research several years ago. Might try looking there.

 

Great post! Thanks for the help.

 

Read someones idea of driving on a 9/16 6 pt socket onto the lock on the winch ,worked great,then knocked off the key ,used a snap on socket,didnt even have to hit it very hard to get it on the key ,easy peazy