Missing device to lower spare tire, Is there an equivalent tool out there?

I just use the first piece, insert into slot and put the other end in my Milwaukee 18v drill and put it on reverse to lower, then forward to raise it back up. Forget the other pieces and hand cranking that shit.

 

I have used the one from my Nissan frontier on my Toyota.

 

Agreed. That works. But for someone who does not carry a cordless drill in their truck..........

They have to use the clumsy cludgy a55 system of spaghetti pieces with loose floppy connections.

 

You're a good sport!

I read through this thread and had to chuckle at the pace of replies.

Here's a recent pic of my spare that I captured when I installed my Talon CAT plate. It's much easier when it's on a lift. I used the one at the Auto Hobby Shop on Dover AFB.

EDIT: I'll have to look at my spare kit for lowering...just for future reference/familiarization.



Ed

****

 

Really?
Where is all this coming from? I spent all night yesterday looking for this tool kit online. Every kit I saw for the 2003 Tacoma costed over $100. I could not figure out why the Gen 2 was easier to find and it costed less. I saw the kits looks the same but was trying to find out if I am missing something. I came to the forum to figure out why. Before I ask questions I always try it myself. So you got the wrong impression about me.

 

Toyota would never spend money on a feature like this, when half the customer base would never touch the spare over the life of the vehicle. If they get a flat on the road, they either keep on driving (and cause more damage to the wheel) or call for roadside assistance. Millions of EVs and plug-in hybrids on the road today don't even include a spare tire any more, as the battery displaces the space previously reserved for the spare. (It's good to see the F150 Lightning bucking this trend.)

 

I didn't mean to come off badly either. The fact remains, you haven't answered if you actually got under the truck, did some work to figure out what you needed, then actually drove to the junkyard and try to find what you need... all I have seen is that you did some research online and on TW called a junkyard and thought that was good... IT ISN'T. If you want to learn how to fix your own vehicle and find your own parts, you have to get your hands dirty. That means getting out of the chair, going outside and actually getting under the truck. Take pictures, measurements and DRIVE TO, NOT CALL the junk yard... get out and look for what you want.

I do feel bad for you, I was in the exact position 6 months ago. I wasn't going to bother the people on this forum, because I didn't want to go outside and take a look and do my own research. I always exhaust EVERY avenue before asking here. The replies you got were fast and had great info in them.. and you got them immediately... You could easily have done the same thing. OR once again... drive and look for the parts rather than making 1 phone call and some web surfing and calling it good.

I'm sure you are a great guy, I'm not attacking you, just trying to help you, help yourself. If we just do the work for you, what do you learn? You learn that you don't need to help yourself, just ask the forum... THAT is not what this forum is about (in my opinion).

I am only speaking for myself here (I do not represent the forum in any way). I really do hope you find what you need. Just understand that by not doing the work yourself it starts to wear out the members on this forum that are willing to help you. I have been on so many of these types of forums over the years that all start out great and helpful, but after awhile, they just go away, since it becomes a lot of questions from people who don't want to spend any of their time, asking the group (again not physically doing something). I have nothing against you, just getting cranky in my old age....

Go to your local pick and pull or junk yard, look for 4runners, Tacoma's, Tundras, Nissans or any other vehicle that has a drop down spare, and grab the parts will work. You want the cheapest solution... THAT is the cheapest solution.

I hope this helps and I really hope you find what you need.

 

Yes I get down and dirty when it comes to working on cars. I have never owned a Tacoma. I did my research. Look at the other posts I have on this forum. You will see I get dirty. You still have me pegged wrong.

Remember this started last night. Google parts last night. Went to work this morning. Call several junk yards this morning.... none had Tacomas. Then I asked the questions on this forum.

 

Ehhh no need to get too invested in this activity - there's a good chance the 18-19 year old hoist mechanism won't budge even after you find the right toolkit.

 

It's a whole lot easier if you install a tube to guide the pos tool to the sweet spot. If you ever need to install the rod at night along a busy road you'll know what i'm talking about!

 

@ReggieD you'll want to consider this mod just to make life easier after you get your hardware squared away.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/cheap-free-mods.4838/page-51#post-3571643

You'll want to make your own measurements since you have a 1st gen, just to verify the length of pipe is correct.

You'll also want to lower your spare, flip it so the valve stem can be accessed for easy pressure checks, and lubricate the lowering mechanism.

 

I have a one piece lowering rod someone can have if they want to pick it up or meet somewhere in Colorado Springs. I don't want to mess with packing/shipping. Lazy I am. DM me for more info.

 

Great news. I lowered the GEN1 tacoma spare tire using the tacoma GEN2 tool kit I purchased from Amazon per a members suggestion. Thank guys.

Now on to the next issue.