Spare Tire Removal Tools

After a lot of driving offroad - and many different vehicles - I can say I've never had a damaged stem on a spare. Must be nearly impossible or I would have busted one. They have to be capped though or mud will fill the stem hole.
On the Tacoma - mine has the 18 x 7.5 factory aluminum rims with the fakey plastic chrome covers on the road wheels and a bare rim for the spare. When I flipped it to stem down, the hanger wouldn't engage the wheel face due to some unnecessary appendages. Removed spare (again) and with a 4-1/2 inch angle grinder and a hammer re-adjusted the fit - painted black to suit.
If you want to keep it - be sure and lock it to the Truck with a loop and lock.

 

This, I can fill up the spare without lowering it.

 

Appreciate the info. When I bought my used Tacoma I pointed out to the dealer the extensions were missing. In showing me the set they came up with were "correct" the guy managed to break off one of the thumb screws. I was contemplating using an easy out but with this info I'll go the HF extension route. Better made, cheaper, and can be used with my other socket set.

 

I got rid of my stock spare tire carrier. I don't think I will have to replace my tool set for a long time (forever).

Oh, here's how I and many others like me are battling this epidemic:

 

I lower the spare every fall when I undercoat with FF. Check spare then for air. Washing the truck takes longer than lowering the spare.

 

I use an extender and never have to drop the spare, but do it maybe once per year to make sure all is ok. Noted part is similar to one I have which is fabric coated.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/300mm-Car-...040861?hash=item33e964f95d:g:k48AAOSw1Bxa58UR

 

I like hanging the spare face down to make pressure checks easier but also in this orientation the face of the wheel is vulnerable to damage. Not so concerned about the valve stem as it is tucked up enough. But the wheel can easily be nicked or scratched by any road debris. No mine is not a princess but I do try to avoid any unnecessary wear.

 

I flipped my spare over when my truck was almost new and lowered the spare for the first time (actually when I did the differential breather mod)... thus performing the Spare Tire Mod! My 2001 Tacoma and my 2005 Tacoma both had the spare tire with the air valve pointing down. The 2010 was the first Tacoma I bought with it up (or upside down)! The air valve will not get damaged off roading, otherwise I would have damaged all three of the spare tires of my three 4x4 Off Road Tacomas!

 

Dont mind me while I leave mine facing the correct direction, so it can actually NOT be damaged while off roading.

 

Huh?

 

Thanks for sharing. Be careful, they actually can break. If you lose it....ummmmm ya.

 

My spare tool ya tool.

 

You have a spare tool?

 

I use one on my 04 Highlander. It has a plastic cover that fits over the whole tire. So even though the stem is down, the extender let me drill the cover and be able to air check w/o removing the cover.

But it is the original spare. Could be rotten

 

Yep. Comes in handy.

 

My 05 was flipped as well. I just flipped mine on the 18 because the hassle of dropping a couple times a year to fill with air outweighs the possibility of damaging off road for me. I did put the valve closest to the cab to lessen the chance. I was surprised to see an actual Wrangler under there and not some cheap dunflop.

 

So, all the Tacomas before 2010 that had the spare with the fill valve pointed down were all wrong (yet none ever reported a fail)??? Has anyone heard of the spare tire fill valve getting damaged???

 

If it was designed for the wheel to be seated that way on those years, then it would be correct for them?

Mine came from factory with valve facing up towards the bed. If you try and put it the other way its much harder to winch up, takes 3 hands.

 

I see what you are saying but the odds are slim.
Do you own a fumoto valve?

 

lol

no