[F350Peter]

I was replacing my rear diff cover yesterday, and before I started working on it, I was going to lower the spare tire to give me a little more room to work. Well guess what I don't have? The key that goes onto the end of the extension rods so I can unlock the spare tire to lower it. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif
I looked in the owner's manual to see where it was located, and the manual stated that it was in the glove box. This truck is an '02 and I bought it used last year, so naturally that key is MIA.
I called the local Ford parts department to see if I could pick up a new one and the parts guy said the whole lock assembly needs to be replaced. It would cost around $40. Does this make sense to anyone or is this guy just jerking my chain?

Any help would be appreciated, thanks!
Peter

 

[Oneof6]

[ QUOTE ]
I was replacing my rear diff cover yesterday, and before I started working on it, I was going to lower the spare tire to give me a little more room to work. Well guess what I don't have? The key that goes onto the end of the extension rods so I can unlock the spare tire to lower it. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif
I looked in the owner's manual to see where it was located, and the manual stated that it was in the glove box. This truck is an '02 and I bought it used last year, so naturally that key is MIA.
I called the local Ford parts department to see if I could pick up a new one and the parts guy said the whole lock assembly needs to be replaced. It would cost around $40. Does this make sense to anyone or is this guy just jerking my chain? Any help would be appreciated, thanks!
Peter

[/ QUOTE ]

Nope, he told you correctly in most cases. Actually 40 bucks is a good price they are usually about 70 bucks. That star key is crap security anyway. This is what I did when I lost my star key and couldn't get the winch to work. Took a broom handle wired a hack saw on it. Stuck it between bumper and frame and cut the cable and dropped the spare in less than 60 seconds. So much for security huh anybody could steal it if I can get it down that quick with a broom handle and hack saw. Took the old winch out, two bolts, easy. Bought a new winch. Didn't install the star key female part from the old winch into the new winch. Install the new winch just like it comes out of the box. The winch will work with the turning handle end just like it comes, no star key required if you don't transfer the female part to the new winch. Take about 24 inches of 5/16 to 3/8 chain and a good American pad lock put it around the frame rail and through the spare rim, raise the spare, pull the chain ends up tight and lock it to the frame. Much better security than that stupid star key anyway. However, if you can get in there and pop out the star key insert, then you can go straight to the chain for security and use your existing winch and handle.

 

[F350Peter]

Thanks Oneof6!

 

[Jinco]

For $40 I'd let them fix it. My dealer won't let me park in their lot for less then 90. I cut mine. Here is a picture of it.

 

[kc2kgt]

When I got my truck it was in the glove box. A few weeks ago I went looking for it and couldn't find it. The dealership was the last person to get the spare tire down.

Well I ended up finding it stuffed into the little carrying case the the lug wrench goes in behind the rear seat.

Evidently the tech at the Dealership decided to move it for me.

 

[GrampyJim]

First... did you insert the jack handle into the hole to see if there was actually a "lock" installed?

With all the sand and gravel in our area, most owners opt to have the puzzle key removed from the crank and just use the tire winch "au naturel".

 

[Swellmel]

A 9/16" (made in china) socket on a two foot 3/8" drive extention stick it in the hole and smack it once or twice with a small sledge hammer, then just crank it down, once the tire is out of the way you can pull the guide tube out and with a large screw driver pry the lock and socket out,replace guide tube. Now you just use the jack extention to crank it up or down.Ten minute job and your done.

 

[Jinco]

[ QUOTE ]
A 9/16" (made in china) socket on a two foot 3/8" drive extention stick it in the hole and smack it once or twice with a small sledge hammer, then just crank it down, once the tire is out of the way you can pull the guide tube out and with a large screw driver pry the lock and socket out,replace guide tube. Now you just use the jack extention to crank it up or down.Ten minute job and your done.

[/ QUOTE ]

I wish you would have posted this before I cut my bracket. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif I searched all over the place and could not find a solution.