Spare Removed...Lift Mechanism??

[Dinosoar21]

So, day three of my ownership. I pulled stuff off...running boards, air dam, and the spare tire. Question...has anyone removed their spare tire?...specifically, what did you do with the chain pulley lift mechanism? I currently have mine zip-tied tight to the frame crossmember. Doesn't seem too easy to get the two bolts out that hold the mechanism in. I will keep investigating underneath, but wanted to check here because I know you hardcore off-roaders are taking the spare and doing something with that "ball and chain."

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[828findadventure]

Why are you removing the spare?

 

[Dinosoar21]

Don't want it...been driving without them for years...did you take yours out?

 

[828findadventure]

Don't want it...been driving without them for years...did you take yours out?

I replaced mine with a full size off road spare that fit underneath. I am Gen X, and I don't like to get stuck somewhere because I wasn't prepared.

 

[Dinosoar21]

I'm a Gen X who has AAA and two other free roadside assistance services. I've already paid them to do it for me....LOL. And, I have never had a flat in a great many years (famous last words). For me, if I ain't using it, it comes out.

Good that you replaced it with a full size...that thing that came out of there looks like a mountain bike tire! That's the other reason I ditched it.

 

[SouthCoast]

Rotated the wheels, per the manual, during the oil change last Thursday. My first time working with an under body mounted spare. Have to say it was quite easy. I would never drive a vehicle without a spare... If it doesn't come with five wheels, it doesn't get bought. I'm not the type to wait for someone else to come help me change a tire, when I can be done and gone by the time they arrive. To each their own!

 

[Nodak]

hey at least they replaced the yellow wheel spare with a normal wheel spare.

plus it helps they angled the spare to help with departure angle vs the 5th gen being tucked flat.

 

[828findadventure]

I'm a Gen X who has AAA and two other free roadside assistance services. I've already paid them to do it for me....LOL. And, I have never had a flat in a great many years (famous last words). For me, if I ain't using it, it comes out.

Good that you replaced it with a full size...that thing that came out of there looks like a mountain bike tire! That's the other reason I ditched it.

What I did to get rid of the donut. Purchased a used Tacoma wheel on eBay for $100, even came with TPMS and center cap. Then got a low priced AT tire "Rocky Mountain" and I am in for around $250.

 

[127.0.0.1]

I don't mind the donut. I've never needed a spare ever, and a donut is better than nothing...
and will allow me to limp along...so keeping it and not interested in full size.

 

[Turbo8]

I would assume the spare helps out a lot in a rear end collision.

 

[Dinosoar21]

I took a closer look and just pulled the whole mechanism...just too easy (12mm ratchet box wrench). I may reinstall it all later, but I just have other options for flats I just don't want to lug the lump around. Thanks for all the inputs.

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