does anyone have the "special" key for the spare tire assembly winch for a 03' F-250? I called the stealership and asked if they had one and the guy siad it would be $47. so i drive 45 minutes to get there and the guy at the parts counter tells me that I need the special key that goes on the end of the jack rods. After i give him the "no ****, *******, that is what i told ypou on the phone", he tells me they don't have it and just gives me a 1-800 # to call--JERK OFF!

ust trying to see if anyone has one that they arfen't using anymore. My wife got her truck stolen last fall and i finally got a spare tire for her to put back on it and now can't access the spare tire carrier. Thanx!

Chris

 

I think you can get a service kit or master set. The dealer should have a set to test on your truck to find out which key it is. Then they can order you one. IMO the keys are a waste, if some ones wants the wheel they can cut the cable. The key on my 04' is different than the key on my dads 03'.

 

dkf,

it is actually a key that is inserted through the bumper access hole and engages the winch assembly. the older fords only required the hook end of the jack rods, but on my 250 it has a flower-shapped insert, almost similar to a special lug-nut. i need the part that is the male part that attaches to the end of the jack rods so that i can loosen the winch.

 

The "Key" that goes on the "Jack Rod" is a piece of steel with the flowerlike pattern on the end that mates with the piece on the winch to crank the tire down. theres a wire on it that holds it on the jack rod. There are several different patterns. They come in the glove compartment in a black/clear bag when the truck is new. If you want to see what it looks like I can post a pic tomorrow.

 

if you can get to that cable while the spare is locked and tight, more power to you...

 

dkf,

yes, that is the part i need. i told the stealership this today, but they gave me a 1-800 # to call to get one. my wife had her truck stole last year and they stole the wheels and took everythin out of the cab and glove compartments, so i am just looking to buy/get one from someone on here that might not need it anymore since they might not use the spare tire winch.

Chris

 

Chief,A Friend went thru this and found that Mcgard makes the keys and they were able to help...1-800-444-5847...I guess there are several different patterns to the "flower"....good luck....Dave

 

i removed my lock from the truck. its very simple. crawl under the spare tire put your hands on the black plastic "guide tube" and twist and pull. the lock can be easily pryed out from the cable assembly with a small screwdriver and/or a pair of channel locks. if you have any trouble let the air out of your spare and that should give you more room. i now use the hook end of my jack tool. no more lock for me.

 

Dave, that is the number that the stealership gave me also after i had already made the 45 minute trip to see them. i wish it was like the older models where you could just insert the hooked end of the rod into the winch and lower.

 

I took one apart and eliminated the key also.
The truck before that I bought one without a key from the dealer, the cab and chassis trucks come keyless and are a direct fit swap.

 

Sorry, double post.

 

Having read another thread about this some time ago, I found I needed the key also. I took other's advice and removed the lug the key fits into. I got the spare lowered by using a long extension and a socket that just fit over the lug. By pushing the extension to the side very forcefully while cranking counter-clockwise, little by little the tire comes down. Knock the insert out and throw it away. Fixed forever and free!!!

 

I would disable the whole thing and maybe put an alarm on the truck.

 

Another thread on this topic recommended buying a stud extractor. Problem solved.

 

i am so glad i am not the only one with this problem i thought i was an idiot i will be tearing it appart tomarrow morning thanks