Removing spare tire 1st gen..how do I get it off this wiring?

So I was able to lower the spare but it's attached to this silver cable and idk how to get it off. the owners manual doesn't mention it at?

 

Lower it until it's on the ground, and then a little more and the center "hook" should be able to turn sideways and pulled through. Then slide the tire out from under the truck.

 

lower tire to the ground
lower cable a little more
at the end of the cable is a bracket
pull bracket through wheel bore
pull tire out from under the truck

 

You should be able to lower the wheel all the way to the ground, continue lowering it until the cable has slack and then the center piece needs to be turned to the side to slip through the hub.

 

Thought this was a third gen thread...

 

The thing felt like it was soldered on there! got it lmao

 

That center piece attached to the cable is called the carrier plate. Some truck's spare tires won't go all the way to the ground depending on how much lift you have in the back also.

 

Just be sure that cable/end isn't rusty or frayed
as it could possibly break
and the spare could be gone or worse !?

I believe there was a TSB - Recall for the corrosion concerns.
But was likely only for the rust belt states.

 

I just bought a 2003 Tacoma from Ohio. Dealer replaced the cable assembly free.

 

Lubing the cable should be done periodically.