Tony (192.88.212.44) - Thu Jul 10 12:48:17 2008

I have a 1999 Ford Explorer. The end of the jack handle used for lowering the spare tire came off in the crank mechanism which is located through a nickel-sized hole in the rear of the cargo compartment. I cannot get the piece (L-shaped) out of the mechanism and numerous attempts to try to line up the crank handle and piece which is stuck have failed. What can I do to remove this stuck piece from the spare tire lowering mechanism and it I can't, how do I go about lowering the spare tire if needed. I am leaving shortly for a camping trip and do not want to travel with out access to my spare tire. Please answer ASAP...I'll be leaving in a couple of weeks. Thanks, Tony

Reply #1 mj (205.188.117.68) - Sat Aug 30 15:02:40 2008

i m sorry i cant answer that question

i m looking to buy the l shape handle anywhere because mine is mysteriously missing

But i would see if that part can get removed by a mechanic and see if he cant shake it out or get a thinner piece of metal to get the broken piece out

Reply #2 Jonny (63.255.23.58) - Fri Nov 7 17:17:12 2008

THIS IS EXACTLY WHATS HAPPENED TO ME! RIGHT NOW! Same truck same year. Grrr PLZ someone help us with this.

Reply #3 Chip (205.188.117.68) - Sat Jan 3 19:59:18 2009

I have the same problem with a F-150 super cab. The adapter for the end of the crank is missing.

Reply #4 John (74.179.53.147) - Sat Jan 10 11:00:38 2009

I have a 99 ranger and this happened to me yesterday. I cranked the spare up then it felt like something broke loose and when I pulled the jack handle out it was missing the 'L' shaped end. I tried looking down the hole with a flashlight but I can't tell if the piece is still in the mechanism or if it fell out as I pulled the jack handle out. I thought it was a great design at first because it is easy to use but now I am not too happy with it. There doesn't seem to be a backup way to get the spare down. I hate to spend 'dealer cost' to have them fix it for me when it was Ford's bad design to begin with. I have no idea why that 'L' shape is not one piece with the jack handle to begin with. Please let me know if anyone has a way to fix this problem.

Reply #5 bernard (99.189.71.221) - Mon Mar 2 17:10:07 2009

hey i had this same problem on my 96 explorer, i used an extendable magnet and pulled it right out...went to junkyard and got a new set of tire?jack tools for 5 bucks

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