Spare tire hanger ???

[ilvtravln]

I have an 03 F350 PSD, never had the spare down, no Ford key so I jammed a 9/16 socket on the outside where the key goes, hammered it on, cranked down the spare, took out the cable mechanism, took out the part where the key goes, reinstalled the spare tire mechanism, cranked the spare tire up but now it won't stay secure in place. The cable unwinds itself if I hit a bump. Cable only cranks one way so I know its not turned wrong. Any ideas how to keep spare in place short of buying an new spare tire holder from Ford? Don't want to put the spare in the bed. Thanks

[ilvtravln]

Got er done, $50. at the wrecking yard, Ford was $150., thanks for all the input.

[ilvtravln]

Dave H M wrote:
:h I think the king kong approach messed something up.

Yup

[recycler]

sounds like you bent something when you were hammering that socket on..those spare hangers are touchy.. get a new one from a salvage yard and be sure to check the cable for frays.. having someone's spare come out in front of you on the expressway is no fun..

[Golden_HVAC]

I would also say look in a junk yard for a tire carrier that is not going to need the key. Most use the 3/4" or 7/8" that the lug nuts use, so take along the tire wrench from the donor vehicle.

Some require you push in and turn to drop the tire, that is what is on my Bounder, a junkyard Ford tire carrier, I installed it. It cranks up into place, but I have to put in the crank, and push the crank forward while also unwinding it. I am glad to hear they have systems on the 2011 trucks that crank both directions, migth be worth it to change mine to a more modern style, that is easier to lift and get back down.

Fred.

[ilvtravln]

cutty72 wrote:
Sounds like you have something jammed up. It should crank both directions, one down, one up.
Check a junk yard for a one, about half the price of new from Ford, and before you install it, pull the key lock off. Then you can just use your jack handle to reach in and turn it.

It cranks up and down, it just won't keep the spare tire tight and in place. Thanks

[cutty72]

Sounds like you have something jammed up. It should crank both directions, one down, one up.
Check a junk yard for a one, about half the price of new from Ford, and before you install it, pull the key lock off. Then you can just use your jack handle to reach in and turn it.

[ScottG]

I'd take it apart and see if something is just a bit corroded and sticking. Maybe a bit of lube will fix it.

[Dave_H_M]

:h I think the king kong approach messed something up.

[ilvtravln]

skipnchar wrote:
Mine has no actual "mechanism" for keeping it in the up position but mine also cranks in both directions (counter clockwise to lower and clockwise to raise) I"m surprised to hear yours only cranks one direction and I'm wondering what keeps it up at all.

My cable cranks both directions, (up and down) but when the cable is all the way down I can't reverse the direction it winds up, did I say that right? Thanks

[midnightsadie]

might look on line for a new one. or the junk yard. some really good parts stores could find one.

[skipnchar]

Mine has no actual "mechanism" for keeping it in the up position but mine also cranks in both directions (counter clockwise to lower and clockwise to raise) I"m surprised to hear yours only cranks one direction and I'm wondering what keeps it up at all.

[dbbls]

I'm guessing you spread the reel when you hammered the socket on. Probably will need to replace the unit. Although, I have never had one apart and you have so you may have a better idea then me on what is wrong. Obviously there is not enough friction on the reel.