Finally bit the bullet and replaced the much maligned front bumper on the Duramax with a local company's steel bumper with built in brush guard and receiver. Neighbor that's super welder is fabing up the mount for the spare. Removed all our rear stored stuff, genny, water, gas and cargo tray/steps to get the tire out from under the truck. What a hassle as crank didn't want to ket tire down, then it did only to find A TOTALLY different cable retainer than the book in the truck or the paper on the jack handle said to expect and one like I'd never seen before. Some kind of bell shaped hunk of metal with the cable coming up thru the hub hole attached with a spring and brass latch release that doesn't...release. Tried WD40, nothing. Called dealership and answer was yea,those things freeze up over time, just cut the cable with something. Bolt cutters will work for me. Sure glad I tackled this project of removal prior to a flat in the rain or dessert or at night along an interstate. Needless to say the entire spare crank, tube and cable are being permanently removed in favor of ease of access. Man, I really need a shower and a stiff drink before I feed DH his super. Naturally, none of my men are around when these adventures begun, they just get to see the end and ask "What were you thinking".......thenI tell them.
2004 Chevy 3500 Duramax all stock
1990 950 Shadow Cruiser Hard side multiple add-ons
Ancient Valco 10'x5' John boat
2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser Trail Team
One-eyed Trail Horse and one horse trailer
Rocky, Annie, Muffie traveling Fur Babies