Need new spare tire winch 2000 Prerunner

I bought a 2000 Tacoma Prerunner back in March and its been great so far. However, on Thursday I was off road in the middle of nowhere, staying at my family's cabin, when I noticed my back tire was flat. I soon realized that my spare tire winch requires a special anti-theft style wrench to operate it (similar to the anti-theft lug nuts that you put on your wheels). But, the flat tire tool kit that came with the truck only had the original lowering tool (with the hook at the end). So, I had no way to lower the spare tire. I ended up sticking my head up into the back of the truck and cutting the cable with a hacksaw, thereby destroying the winch. But I did get my spare tire down and was able to do the tire change.

Does anyone have an old OEM spare tire winch they want to sell, or know where I can get a good deal on one (new or used)? Thanks in advance.

P.S. Lesson Learned: If you bought a used truck recently, check your spare tire winch and make sure you have the proper tool to operate it! Wish I would have done so!

 

The hooped end of my spare kit drops my spare?

See if it is covered by recall my winch was- 01 dc

 

I would check RockAuto.com. They might have that. If not, check some junk yards. Ebay might be of use as well

 

Thanks. Just bought one off Ebay. Funny, I checked ebay a couple of days ago, but somehow the one I bought didn't show up then. Oh well...

 

I believe the hooped end you are talking about slipped into the slot for lowering the tire, at least that is what I remember when I checked mine for proper operation a couple of months back, my worry is doing in the dark on the side of the freeway without a flashlight, a bugger to insert and lower, glad you found the replacement on Ebay...