2004 Tacoma spare tire lock, I lost it!

I lost the little gizmo that fits on the end of the hook to lower the tire down from under the bed after doing a roadside tire change. I think I left it on the bumper. D'oh!!!
Got a new tire but at the shop I realized a cant put the spare back up without that thing. That stupid, made out of cheap ass metal, cost 10 cents to make in China thing...that the Toyota $tealer wants almost 50 bucks for. Are you f******g kidding me? SOOOOOO, what do I do, folks?

Can I easily pry the female reciever off without damaging the original parts (access is not a problem as the spare is currently in the bed) and lift/lower the spare as it is shown in the manual with the hook? I know it won't be secure but I can get an anti theft device for less than that stupid pricy gizmo. I kinda don't want to get a replacement just out of principle.

Some other MacGuyver type solution? It doesn't appear that a normal type tool will work even with the tire out of the way, tried sockets etc.

Thanks for the help!!!

 

Try posting on Craigslist for a local person that does not use the one they have. Local Junk yard. Used car dealerships that have Tacomas on the lot. Just a few ideas.