Spare tire winch

[Doubletrouble]

 Has anyone ever had one of these apart? I may look mine later today, the PO had the spare laying in the bed, the end of the winch cable with the tire cradle is zip tied to the hitch frame. I assume it was seized up or something but the more I use the truck the more the spare in the bed gets in the way. 

 I've looked at new winches and they're a bit pricey for what they are so just wondered if anyone has dissected one. 

[JAG1]

I have two second gens and don't trust the tire winch. It looks kind of cheesy. If I needed one I would go to the wrecking yards for one. I did manage to get some oil to mine, but not sure if it will help much.

 

In order for me to not worry about losing my spare, possibly hurting someone, I hang two short pieces of chain on the frame either side of the spare tire and then with a small chainbinder I bind the two chains together across the underside of the spare. It holds the spare firmly in place and not relying on the cheesy winch to constantly hold it up in place.

[dripley]

The cable on mine broke about 3 years ago. I put new Mopar one on. I dont remrmber it being expensive though. I'll check see if I still have whrre I got it from.

In a fairly quick google search and saw them for anywhere from $55 to a Mopar oe at a $112. The part # is 52058707. I remeber paying less than a hundred for mine and it was Mopar. But I have slept a few times since then. And not at a Holiday inn Express.

[Dieselfuture]

Mine was rotted when I got the truck, I cut it off. Spear is in the back, but often thinking about just leaving it home now that I have on board air and plugs. Seems when I got the oba I never needed the spear lol. I also tossed the idea on making a spear tire swing on rear bumper but then thought on how it be in the way for other things.

[Doubletrouble]

I have a homemade spare tire thing that holds it upright against the bed rail but I didn't like the way it looked like that. Plus it can get in the way also.

[JAG1]

On 3/21/2020 at 6:29 AM, dripley said:

The cable on mine broke about 3 years ago. I put new Mopar one on. I dont remrmber it being expensive though. I'll check see if I still have whrre I got it from.

In a fairly quick google search and saw them for anywhere from $55 to a Mopar oe at a $112. The part # is 52058707. I remeber paying less than a hundred for mine and it was Mopar. But I have slept a few times since then. And not at a Holiday inn Express.

What's the matter with Holiday Inn? Don't they accept free rangers in there?

[dripley]

3 hours ago, JAG1 said:

What's the matter with Holiday Inn? Don't they accept free rangers in there?

 

Have you ever seen their commercials?

[JAG1]

Yes I know what you are talking about.... just thought I'd give you a little hard time. 

 

You know I like my 2 chains idea otherwise someday I could see my spare passing me on the highway. It is easy to do as the frame has a nice size hole on each side of the spare to hook a chain and then bind them across the underside of the spare tire. When you need the spare just remove the small chain binder and they hang out of the way on each side.

 

To secure the binder I place a hose clamp around the handle to lock it in place. 

Edited March 25, 2020 by JAG1

[Doubletrouble]

So when you put it up there or take it down you would have to lift the tire up to the frame by hand?

[dripley]

The safety chain is not a bad idea at all. But I would still put the winch on for raising and lowering. Aint no way my old arse is getting under there trying hold it up and chain it.

 

I lost my spare when the winch cable broke and was very lucky the tire did not hit someone. It jumped over 30 feet in the air after it came out from under the truck. Never heard a thing, just happened to see it in the mirror and folks getting out of the way. Pretty dangerous.  

[JAG1]

4 hours ago, Doubletrouble said:

So when you put it up there or take it down you would have to lift the tire up to the frame by hand?

I have always used the winch and both my originals are still working. I use the chain so the winch isn't being pulled on all the time to hopefully save it for the long run and since the winch is somewhat unreliable, I want the chains to keep the spare from breaking loose on the road and possibly hurting someone.

 

To bad we can't have a pandemic on these cheesy winches because no one would tail a second gen anymore.

Edited March 25, 2020 by JAG1

[Doubletrouble]

 I tried to turn mine today by hand (don't have the OE Jack or tools) and it wouldn't turn. I'll leave the spare in the bed until I get it sorted it replaced.

[dripley]

Soak the mechanism in some penetrating oil. Probably going to need a tool to get some leverage on it to break it free. It is a square drive that maybe a long socket extension might fit over or in it to turn it. 

[Doubletrouble]

I'll try that. I was going to remove it but it look like the bolts come down from above. Not easily accessible. Maybe just spray the crap out if it and try to work it loose.

[dripley]

I dont remeber any trouble removing mine. Bolt and nut was all and I could get up over the top ok, IIRC.

Edited March 26, 2020 by dripley

[Doubletrouble]

Mine has a cap nut if that's the right term on the bottom. It's just a round cylinder with threads, bolt enters from above. Gonna be hard to get my big mits in there to loosen them. Lol

[Haggar]

Double,

There are 4 bolts from the top.  I am betting what you see at the bottom are weld nuts on the winch assembly.

GL

Hag

[Doubletrouble]

Most likely yes, I just didn't know the proper term. I will try to spray it down with PB blaster or something to see if I can get it to move.

 

[dripley]

My bolts came out just fine and winch did still work. My hands are preety big too but I was able to get in there ok as I remember. But then again nothing was rusted tight.

[Doubletrouble]

 I was able to get it broke loose. Didn't take much effort really. Had it turning, cable going up and down just fine. Had a rachet strap out to secure once the tire was up. Placed the tire on the cable cradle and started cranking it up. The another problem presented itself. The spare hits the exhaust pipe where it goes up and over the rear axle. It's an aftermarket exhaust and large diameter than stock (4" I believe). So now that I have the winch working the tire won't fit up there. Just my luck I guess.

 On another note, I was doing a few things to the truck yesterday and noticed my spare is a 4 hole wheel. The six on the truck are 7 hole wheels. Any thoughts? I thought they were either 4 or 5 hand holes.