Spare tire in factory location

[Stumpalump]

My 2002 E350 came without a jack ,book or anything and I gotta get my spare tire down from underneath. It looks like a hole in the bumper lines up with the tire raising mechanism but a factory looking plate is behind the bumper blocking the hole. I'm sure I need a rod or something to crank it down but I'm I missing another acess point to get to somthing? Does anybody have an extra factory rod they don't use?

[John Kalmbach]

The bolt that secures the factory Ford "security" plate that must be removed, is accessible when the driver side rear door is opened. You can use the "hubcap pry-bar end" of the factory Ford lug wrench, or the jack crank handle to then lower the spare. If you have to improvise, you'll need something like a large screwdriver with a shank at least 20" or so long. The internal reciever for the spare tire carrier mechanism is slotted.

I hope this helps.

John K.

[yvrr]

When I got rid of my OEM jack, I also tossed out the jack crank handle...duh. You need it to get that tire down. You can order a replacement from Ford....as I did.

[Stumpalump]

Thanks. I'll remove that pesky security plate and fab up a crank. Cool ....somthing easy that even I can fab up!

Edit: I got it down and removed the plastic guide funnel for the crank to look/see. All I needed was a 1/2" round bar stock with the end ground square. I put a 90 degree bend in the other end for a handle.