Installing spare tire

[Cashezo]

I removed my spare a while ago because it was useless (have 24's). After I took it off, I was surprised by the amount of rust. So I tried to put it back on yesterday, but failed.

I can't get that black piece to come all the way down. It only lowers about 3-4 inches, and stops. The cable you see inside will come down all the way, though.

Can somebody please help me?!

 

[OPGMC]

Grab then pull.

 

[Z71 Kris]

yeah I would think it might take some muscle, it worked before because the spare was on there and was able to help lower it

 

[OPGMC]

Bang it with a hammer a few times.

 

[Cashezo]

I've pulled, and kicked the damn thing. Still wouldn't come down.

In the owner's manual it says something about a secondary latch system. I've tried to do what they outlined, and it still didn't come down.

 

[Z71 Kris]

then

 

[OPGMC]

I'm guessing when you ran without the spare tire and tightened it all they way up it wedged itself into that rubber boot. So if you didn't have results with the secondary latch system I'd say try to pound down on the little "wings" there.

 

[RebelThunder]

Pry bar.

 

[merlin5577]

There is a safety latch that wont allow the cable to come all the way down in case of accidents. In some cases, the latch gets stuck. Tighten the cable all the way up and you should here it click. After 3-4 clicks, it should allow you to back the cable back down. If not, unbolt it from the truck (1-15MM bolt) will make it easier to work on.

 

[daddy]

Attach a chain to it and the other end to something sturdy and then punch it.