2001 Exp- Cant get spare tire down- HELP!

[marcus1]

Hi;

I got a flat today on my 2001 Explorer and could not lower the spare.
The truck spent most of its life in NY and has quite a bit of rust underneath.

When I put the flat end of the bar which inserts into the hole above
the back bumper it seemed to move initially, but I believe the hole
where the rod is inserted is rusted out/stripped as I can turn it, but it
does not lower the tire.
This is my 3rd Explorer with this type of spare and I am familiar with
the procedure.

Any suggestions on how to get the tire down with a stripped
receptacle or is it time to get ugly cutting things?

I cannot get my hand between the spare and rear compartment
floor to cut the cable.

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Mark

 

[Blrob]

This happened at the shop I work at. The only thing you can really do is torch it from underneath.

 

[SoNic67]

Try spraying it with a bunch of PB Blaster.

 

[corkey]

check the end you put into the slider , mine broke off, and than i had to get the piece of the end out to get the spare down ,,

once i got mine down i sprayed the whole thing down with used oil, and lots of it,, let it soak all in, than greased the cable good as it went in again,, ever since, no problems,,

 

[Jeepeater]

when i bought my ex a few months ago the spare was flat and not tight to the body so i tried to take it down, wouldnt move at all. i used two floor jacks with piece of 2x4 on either side to push it up against the body and cut the spring and cable with a grinder. rim was rusted to junk.

either way you do it be careful!

 

[marcus1]

Re:Spare Tire Stuck-Solved

I was able to use a large flathead screwdriver with a blade
about one and a half times wider than the jack end.
It took a pair of large vice grips at times to get it to
turn, but got it done.

Thanks to all for your suggestions!