The cable that lowers the spare tire on my 87' Dakota is broken. Is this repairable or do I need to get a replacement crank and cable for it?

I have not looked at it very closely, but if the crank can be opened up I could likely replace the cable by using bicycle shifter/brake cable from a bike store. These cables already come fabricated with the steel knob on the end that will very nicely hold the bracket that secures the tire to the bottom side of the box.

Any thoughts?

a new tire crank and cable doesnt cost that much. Easier to just buy one instead of modifying the broken one.

I had my cable fraying apart. I replaced it before it could brake. I just got another one from a junkyard. I think it costed me $5. I would say just replace the entire thing. I dont think bike cable would be good. If you can find anything just get a cable from homedept. they have many sizes get something close to yours.

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93 Dakota Was 2wd 5.2 NOW 4X4 5.9RT 33x12.5 6in lift 1/4mile 15.259 85mph at over 1mile el 14.2 sea lv. http://www.youtube.com/user/truck93 "No truck should ever be lowerd! NEVER"

replacing the whole thing is a far better deal, I think bike cable is going to present it's own problems down the road

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'95 Dodge Dakota 4x4 5.2L club cab - 224kmi - Dual Exhaust, Filtercharger, Duals, sh--load of lights
'92 Dodge Dakota 4x4 3.9L club cab - 166kmi - V8 TB, '95 grand Cherokee Self-Dimming mirror - soon to have new exhaust