HELP with spare tire?

This is probably a stupid question, but I'm having some trouble getting my spare tire down.

I have a 2002 double cab Tacoma. The other day I had a flat and could not for the life of me figure out how to get the spare tire down. I assembled the jack handle and put it in the hole as usual but it would not let the spare down. This is probably my own ignorance but I need help. Lol.

 

you gotta get the splines to line up and then turn it, the spare will fall

 

That's the thing. No matter what I tried I could not get them to line up

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ErdUB3OcCc

 

So crawl underneath already and see what's going on.

 

Actually, if you crawl underneath with the spare stowed, there isn't going to be much to see..
If you sight down along the top of the bumper (where you stab the 2 piece crank assembly) you should see a slot in the cup that receives the curled end of the crank. Slip the crank assy into the cup and start cranking away. If it gets to hard to crank, go the other way.
Lube the cable (white lithium grease) before cranking it back up...

 

Have you ever had the spare down before? Some of the trucks have a theft deterrent insert in them & require a matching socket on the end of the crank handle, it's a dealer installed kit.

 

I have never had it down and I'm thinking this must be the problem. I shined a light through the hole and it looks as if it's completely smooth inside. It's hard to explain lol.

I'm guessing if it does have the theft deterrent feature I would need to take it to a dealership?

 

The original owner kept everything relating to the truck sale, in the folder was a small file from 'McGard" describing the security system for the spare tire/wheel, I mailed them a order form for the "key" that enabled me to turn the socket to lower the spare. Take a good flashlite & look back into the socket, it looks like the end of a wheel security lock on a lug nut if it's McGard equipped. I can send you a picture of the paperwork if you need it. jed.33@hotmail.com

 

Possibly another thing to consider is the crank assembly could be frozen/rusted up. Alot of people have had their trucks in on a warranty/recall because them things are prone to seizing up...

Well thats pry not.the problem i guess. Youre not having a crank dont turn problem, but a cant get the lowering rod to get a bite on the apparatus....

 

True, especially if it's never been lowered. I drop mine maybe a couple times a year and WD 40 the cable and box it goes in, and do an air check.

 

Hmm, I better try this. Thanks for the link with the video, I assume its the same on the 1st gens.

 

It may look like this, which was a dealer installed option. Not really a "theft deterrent" as you can pop the cone off with a good screwdriver. mine came with this and when I had the recall done the dealer told me "we don't really use those anymore due to the ease of removal"