How do you get the spare tire down on a 1998 Ranger?

[Sean's 98]

Cranking does not work, may be rusted in place, now what? Original spare is junk, have replacement wheel & tire, but can't get the old one out. Suggestions??

 

[RonD]

Might need to pull the bed off

See if the valve stem of the spare tire is accessible, shouldn't be but maybe tire was put in backwards
If you can let the air out you may be able access the winch part to spray some lube on it and free it up
And wiggle chain to try and free it up

This is what the setup looks like: https://www.justanswer.com/uploads/s420/2008-09-14_213627_ranger_spare_tire.jpg

If you plan on replacing the winch then I would just pull the bed off now, 6 bolts, 3 screws(filler) and unplug the tail lights
2 people can move it, its not all that heavy

 

[Dirtman]

Have you tried cursing at it?

 

[bobbywalter]

I drill the nub....and do it all from the bottom.


And put it in the bed like men do.

 

[Robertmangrum.rm]

On my buddies nissan we just sprayed everything down with a heavy coat of WD40 through holes in rim. Waited about a hour. One pulled while one cranked. Broke loose and came on down

 

[Uncle Gump]

I remember using a cut off wheel to take mine down... then proceeded on tossing it in the scrap pile. Then I did this..

In the end... it's a pain in the rear on a daily driven part time work truck.

 

[rumblecloud]

On my buddies nissan we just sprayed everything down with a heavy coat of WD40 through holes in rim. Waited about a hour. One pulled while one cranked. Broke loose and came on down

This is what I did with my 94. I don't remember ever lowering mine -- and it was a PIA -- lots of PB Blaster, WD40 and wiggling the carrier to get it to loosen. But it's only PIA if you're going to keep it, if not, any of the other suggestions will work.

 

[bobbywalter]

I remember using a cut off wheel to take mine down... then proceeded on tossing it in the scrap pile. Then I did this..

View attachment 60074

In the end... it's a pain in the rear on a daily driven part time work truck.

Aye..... because men....thier tires don't fit under there.




Well....I am speaking from side of the road situations. When assisting others.


Here on salt belt central...certain dodge and gm rigs seem to like to split and fold in the driver tube.


So. On the retainer nub, Vice grips and a Milwaukee 7/16 cobalt usually make quick work on the side of the road ... Sometimes the grinder comes out ... But not often ... I have a full size jack or two as well ..


Usually I can repair it by shucking the tube off so the driver can turn it.... and 1/4 in cable clamps with a 3/4 nut to reinstall the hub retainer...



If it's just jammed up .. . Hammer on it after unloading it with the jack.....


So far. I have a 100 percent extraction rate. . but.... Sometimes the tire on or wheel is unusable.


But....that's me, if I am in my normally prepared vehicle.

 

[Dirtman]

You know if you just lower the dang thing once a year to inspect the spare and grease it like you are suppose to it wouldn't get frozen solid in the first place.

 

[bobbywalter]

I do that annually to every other year on every bolt in my powertrain and suspension.


Most people will never change a tire.


Let alone any other maintenance

 

[Robertmangrum.rm]

I remember using a cut off wheel to take mine down... then proceeded on tossing it in the scrap pile. Then I did this..

View attachment 60074

In the end... it's a pain in the rear on a daily driven part time work truck.

I like that mount. Been thinking of doing that to the 20 xlt. Wife dont want me to put the cap on it though. Her argument is valid. There is no way we could sleep in the 5 ft bed.