special socket needed to lower spare tire?
 

My 2006 F-250 didn't come with the spare tire tools, it appears there is some sort of special socket that is needed to lower the spare tire winch. how do I find out where to get the attachment?

:-huh

Probably have to go to the dealer, or you can take out the part that takes the special socket so you could get a standard tire wrench to lower the tire.

so far the dealer is clueless and it appears the the part that needs the special socket is part of the spare tire winch, so I would have to cut the cable to get the spare tire down and remove the winch. I was trying to avoid replacing the winch

I know you said it didn't come with the spare tire tools. But did you happen to looking within the glove box? They don't put the piece with the spare tire tools, they normally stick it within the glove box.

You can remove the lock from the winch without dropping the spare but it is a bit of a treat. You need to pull the plastic piece that surrounds the lock straight back to remove it. Then you need to get in there with something and pull the lock out. I did it on mine and it was a bugger but definitely doable.

Check glove box for the "key"

Even if you have the key it likely will be no good...won't engage the lock and you still won't get the tire down.

I had the key, didn't work.

You can also take and air hammer or chisel and cut notches in the "T" that is holding the tire, the "T" can be bent slightly to allow the tire to come off, but you will have to straighten it back out and weld it up to use it again (savings cutting and ruining the cable)

Check out some older threads on this issue, lots of photos!!!! The stupid key can be removed and tossed!

Use a 9/16 socket and long extension or a few put together. you need likt two feet. Beat in the 9/16 socket, then just lower the tire, Once the tire is down you can see the lock right there. Just pry it off with a flat screw driver then you will be able to just use the rie iron like normal.

yeah, its a retired border patrol truck. I bought it at auction, I got nothing with the truck, glove box was empty. rear seat and console were removed long ago.

Yep.. did a search and there it is. I had searched before and didnt get the results I was looking for. I see how it comes apart now.

:-drink

Most dealerships will have a set of the spare "keys" on a wire loop. When you come in, the can try each one to see which will fit, then order it for you.

I am happy to remove mine, it appears simple enough. I always hated those security sockets/lug nuts.

this is what i did, they had about 15 keys

yay... I found it

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ed-06f350.html

If you are not using the spare tire lift lock and key, you are in danger of having your spare wheel and tire stolen. Anybody heard of cheap *******s who drive around at 2:00am until they find 4 trucks and steal all the spares? My last set of Pirelli OEM tires was $839. The spare tire lift key is there for a very good reason. Much easier and quieter to steal 4 spares than it is to jack the truck 4 times and remove 32 lug nuts. My dealer found the correct key from his little set and ordered me a new key #269 for $26. Works as it should.

Felt the need to register here to give another confirmation to the 9/16 socket technique. Read it about 20 minutes ago on the forum and im happy to announce the lock is out and the spare tire has been reinstalled properly!