Sorry for this stupid question - but i got '90 4Runner (without owner's
manual) and when I tried to figure out how to get the spare down (it's
mounted under the bottom), I couldn't. I know there must be a nut to turn
somewhere, and I see a hole in the rear bumper which I figure is the access
hole to this 'nut'. But with the tools that came with the truck, there is
nothing that would fit into that hole or would fix on something for me to
turn. it must be the most dumb question, but please help.
Thanks,

Vadim

Well, there's a long rod you are supposed to stick in that hole and use to
crank it down. In my 96 it is hidden with the jack under the passenger side
rear seat cushion, not sure about a 90 model. It unwinds a cable that is
attached to the plate which holds the tire underneath.

You might be able to use any long rod that accompanies a jack, I've never
actually looked at the end to see if it is any different.
Hope this helps.
Dee

"Vadim Tsvetnitsky" <vadimt (AT) sympatico (DOT) ca> wrote

Pookerz wrote:
You do use the round end of the jack handle to engage the slot in the spare tire winch. Slide it in the hole in the bumper and
then into the winch crank, align the round end of the handle with the slot, slide the hand crank onto the rod and lower it down.

On my '85, the rod and jack are in one side of the rear cargo compartment, the hand crank is in the other side in the factory
tool kit.

--
Roger

On Fri, 12 Sep 2003 05:04:12 GMT, Roger Brown <r.c.brown (AT) ieee (DOT) org> wrote:
I believe on the '90 the rod is under the back seats. Anyways, if I were
a betting man, I'd be willing to bet that the tire winch is rusted in
place.

Good luck getting it lined up too. My 95 has several 1 foot pieces you put
togeather. Very slopy and not very ridged. Needs a tube for the thing to
slide thourgh or a funnel to direct it to the nut.

No doubt. Had to cut the chain off the pulley on my '88 by snaking a
keyhole handled hack saw through the hub hole on the spare. What a
treat. Now I hold the tire in place with a couple ratchet straps.

"Kevin S." wrote:
Its a good idea to periodically lower the spare and hit the winch mechanism with some penetrating oil to keep it working
smooth. My '85 still works fine, but the truck has been in CA most of that time.

--
Roger

The rod is under the rear seat cushions. Climb under and
spray the chain ratchet with liquid wrench couple of days
before you lower it. They do get rusty if not moved for
years.

Thanks to all of you for the info. Will try my luck tomorrow morning.

Vadim


"Wolfgang" <spamxseitzg (AT) cox (DOT) net> wrote

Roger Brown wrote:

Lucky for you. Unfortunately the highway dept's here in WI are wholely
owned subsidiaries of the salt lobby.