Sounds like a great idea for the soccer moms, but what bout those who actually use their truck bed to carry stuff? Much easier to lower the crank and let a tire down than to try and unload the truck for a tire, then reload it back up.

 

Rust.

 

You can't imagine how many guys I see out here on the side of the road with a flat tire scratching their head while looking at the spare under the bed with no idea how to get it down!

I can't imagine how much towing companies make just to come out and show people how to get their spare tire out.

 

If they do manage to find it, lower it, then they discover it's flat. Doh!

 

I know guys that carry aaa instead of spares.

 

I had ford roadside assistance come out and change my tire before. I wasn't dressed for it, and dammit that's part of why I paid for a new truck

 

yep this guy is almost a genius works great came down in about 3 sec THANKS

 

I was wondering why I had that funny looking lock in my glove box of the new '15 I just bought. What a silly idea. Only the thieves will be able to get to my spare. First time I drop the spare to inspect it, the lock will get removed.
Great post and thanks for the info!

 

Thanks everyone who contributed to this spare tire key problem. It certainly helped me because I never received a key for my 2008 F350. The #9mm bolt extractor worked for me, after I removed that tube, took a bit of work to get it to bite, but when it did it was so nice to see that tire start to lower. Removed the hoist, knocked out the lock and reinstalled everything. I’m 67 and this spare is damn heavy, sure glad we have Good Sam and I won’t be hauling it out to change. I was having air bags installed, it was there I was asked for the key to lower the spare, sorry, have no idea what you talking about. Now I don’t need it.

 

Power to the people!

 

I just purchased this 2012 F 250.. traded in my 2004 Dodge Ram 1500.

was surprised by the key required. but it was in the glove box..

same procedure as the Dodge...
never needed the spare in the 11 years I had the Dodge... just lowered it once every year to check the air pressure... Ford just like Dodge.. the wheel is installed upside down... so must lower wheel to check air pressure...

my 2012 F 250 has 136,000 miles .. the spare has never been lowered.. had 36 psi of air in it..

Thanks for the Sears lug nut setup.. as I do own that set...

 

I tried this same thing last weekend...did not work. Of course the socket stayed on the key so...I got a cordless cutting wheel and cut the tire free. Also, had to buy a new hoist which arrives tomorrow and I will install it and the spare tire with no key!! Done and Done! LOL.

 

Called McGard this morning, if you want a key for your lock, take a picture of the end of your existing one (of course that means it's already out and in your hand) send it to their Email address and they will send you a replacement for $31, no shipping charge. Personally, if I've got it out, I wouldn't bother. Got mine out and it's staying out !

 

Ok guys and gals, I lost my spare tire crank. I took an existing water meter shut off wrench (rebar) they sell them at home depot for a 10-15 bucks. I used a metal cut off wheel and cut the key down: cut once side off and cut the other to a half inch in width. Its long enough, has a great crank handle already and works like a charm. It took me all of 5 minutes to cut to size with alittle fine tuning.

 

so got another truck and of course no key. the pipe with the cotter pin clipped to the end worked on my 2008 f-350 but did not work for the new 2010 f-450. so I guess the work around depends on the lock you have. so I'll be reveiwng and going thru the work arounds one at a time. the spare tire looks like its never been out.

what we need is a one size fits all solution like a 2 foot stud extractor bit.