Lowering Spare Tire?

Just wondering if anybody has come up with a better alternative (tools, methods, etc) than to use the supplied junk they give you to use when needing to lower the spare?

 

I meant to comment on this the first time I had to use my spare 6 weeks ago. What a complete cluster Fuk. Getting and keeping that hook in the groove, especially while lowering it when you can't see it, is a PITA. One hand to lower it while "trying" to watch the hook engagement. I guess if you can feel when the hook is engaged and go real slow is the way to go

 

Somewhere around here there's a thread or post where somebody attached a PVC pipe that acts as a 'tunnel' to keep the hook/crank straight when trying to access the spare

 

There's that part, and then the joy of trying to crank the jack awkwardly. Has anyone figured out an adapter you can hook up a drill to the jack to spin it up or down?

 

We use to have an ambulance van in our department that had an electric spare tire winch that lowered and raised the the spare under the ambulance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sd7s0mbm_Ps
Another idea on youtube you can look up.
etrailer | Replacement Crank Extension for Lippert Spare Tire Winch Assemblies Review

 

I remember a thread where someone mentioned the Toyota factory spare tire lock might be a solution.
https://autoparts.toyota.com/products/product/spare-tire-lock-pt27634070

 

I wish I could like this 100X Thank you

EDIT: I looked this up to order and this one says it's for a 2007-2009. This one says it's for the rest of the models up to 2024

https://parts.conicellitoyotaofconshohocken.com/oem-parts/toyota-2010-2024-toyota-tundra-tacoma-spare-tire-lock-pt27634071?c=Zz1leHRlcmlvciZzPWxpZ2h0aW5nJmw9MSZuPVNlYXJjaCBSZXN1bHRzJmE9dG95b3RhJm89dHVuZHJhJnk9MjAyMiZ0PWxpbWl0ZWQmZT0zLTVsLXY2LWdhcw==

 

Spare tire lowering mechanism hook wrench connection

 

If you order this please post back how it worked out for you

 

Can it be that 2025 has a different design? I have no issues lowering the spare tier. the tool goes right in , engages with he mechanism no problem.

 

I hope they changed it. My 3rd gen 4Runner was solid. A square end that funneled right into the mechanism. My 2022 has the flat hook that goes into a slot loosely. No guides. Nothing to hold it in place. When you turn the the tool it wants to slide out of the slot. If the 2025 is different, I would buy the entire thing if it were to bolt up somehow

EDIT SO, I looked up the parts diagram. The guide is not on mine. Identified as 51927A. If I'm reading this right, that piece is not on the 2022. The guide part# is
519270C010
Carrier part # on 2025 is
5190034070
Carrier part # on the 2022 is
5190034060

 

51927A is the part i have on 2025 which guides the tool in.

 

I literally just uploaded that picture. Mine doesn't have that and the guide just slips right out Fing frustrating

 

I think you can order this part or fabricate something out of a PVC pipe. There is a thread somewhere on this forum with good write up and pictures.

 

This is what I’m interested in. I rotate 5 tires and have a true wheel/tire spare setup. I’d like to just use a drill on that bad boy. I’ve been looking around scAmazon for something. If I try something and it works I’ll reply back on this post.

 

Can you use a regular cordless drill with variable speed?

 

I haven't had to lower the spare on my '23 Tundra yet, but I recently did on my wife's '22 4Runner. What a joke. It took longer to engage the tool and lower the spare than it took to change the tire. I'd like to kick the designer of that system in the nuts.

 

Interesting, i also have a 4runner and never had any problem with either 2025 tundra nor 2009 4runner

 

That’s what I’m trying to do but how do I connect the drill to the lowering rod? I’m trying to find that solution.

 

The struggle is real. I had the pleasure of experiencing that POS design in the flipping dark!

 

Grinder?

 

I made a 3D print thing to fix this problem for my Tacoma but I haven't gotten around to doing it for the Tundra yet. I need to print one and see if it will work as is or if it needs tweaking. Basically acts like a space station docking station to guide the rod in and makes it very easy. I had the Toyota spare tire lock lock on the Tacoma as you can see in the photos. Just epoxy it into the frame hole.

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3837183

 

Could you use a 3/8” drive adapter in the drill and find a socket that engages the rod?

 

Why just not to buy part # 51927A and be done with it?

 

Did that come stock. It should. I haven't even looked at mine to see how it is situated and whether it needs this. But if it does need it, mine would be cheaper, for sure.