Chain through the spare tire

new to the tacos can anybody explaine why there is a chain hanging through the spare tire

 

Can you take a pic?

Are you talking about the chain that holds the spare up?

 

I would say it's the chain to hold the spare up. If you use the rod in you jack kit, you put the rod in a hole above the rear license plate and hook into a slot above the tire and turn it will lower the tire and you will see how the chain works.

 

They replaced the cable with a chain, it's the mechanism that raises and lowers the spare

 

Thanks makes sense I’ve only seen the cable winch type

 

I think they changed from cables to chains because of some corrosion issues.

 

Mine hangs thru the holes in rim, add a master lock and you have an instant spare tire lock

 

It’s your spare tire elevator. I’d suggest you learn how it works before you’re on the side of the freeway. Here’s a picture of mine after I moved it backwards to fit a 33” spare under there.

Someone suggested putting a lock on it. I wouldn’t advise it. Again, who wants to climb under a disabled truck either on the trail or road to unlock it? You need the stock rods (locked in the cab) to release it anyway.

 

I think you answered my question I was searching for (weird someone using the search function) I was planning 33" tires and wondering if the spare tire location would fit a full size spare. Did you just have to move it back on that crossmember to accommodate?

 

Lots of people claim they can fit a 33" tire under there with no modifications. I still don't understand how, but it might be the variations in tire brand. My BFG 285/70/17 was definitely not going to fit without modifications. it was resting on the differential, and also pushing up against the exhaust. The two alignment tabs were also an obstruction. By moving the tire elevator back, the tire sits nicely in there. I also re-welded the exhaust hanger to make sure there was still a gap between the tire and the heat shield. I'm happy with how it all works.

 

I put a zip tie on that shit. I don't need my chain dangling down. Tacoma version of truck nuts.

 

I've had my spare stolen with the stock rods (locked in the cab)...I ended up putting a lock on it...Id rather have to crawl under there to unlock, then not having a spare when I need it.

 

other than rewelding the exhaust hanger, relocating the elevator was simple unbolt and reinstall?

 

Chain was annoying af after I lowered it once when adding a leaf pack. Put a super tiny zip tie on it to keep it from jingling around the spare. Small enough that it will just pop off next time I lower it.

Also, the first time it's a bit rusted so you'll have to "pop" it loose with the first turn.

 

I was going to ask if there were bolt holes, but I looked again and it looks like you welded it. I'm probably not going 33, but 32's whenever I get new tires. Hoping I don't have to mess with it.

 

With all due respect, this is perhaps the most unhelpful picture ever posted on the internet.

 

Yea pretty bad it was dark

 

There's probably only 10M of those floating around. I put a lock on mine, at least I know my tire will be there if/when I need it.

 

Lmao! Yeah pretty bad but was able to make it out. If you don’t like the “dangle” then put a baby zip tie on it.

I always look at other Tacomas on the road and will look for their chain dangle.