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Dodge Ram 1994-2008: How to Remove Spare Tire with Missing Jack Tools

Not having the original tools to lower the spare will require lots of patience and trial and error. This job is possible if you're willing to put in the work!

By Jerry Perez - July 8, 2015

This article applies to the Dodge Ram (1994-2008).

Ram trucks come in all shapes and sizes, some regular cab, some mega cab, some two wheel drive, some four wheel drive, but they all have one thing in common: the spare tire is underneath the bed. If you happen to misplace the tools to change a tire, it will most likely be a nightmare to get it done. Although there are many suggestions on how to "rig" the pulley system to lower a spare tire without the proper rod, it will take lots of patience and attempts before it happens. We've compiled the most common ways in which the spare can be lowered with alternative tools.

Materials Needed

  • Crescent/Adjustable wrench
  • Bolt and hex nut combo
  • Ratchet extension (without socket)

Option 1 – Use an adjustable wrench

One of the alternate ways to turn the pulley mechanism that lowers the spare tire is by crawling underneath the truck and attaching an adjustable wrench around the connector, adjusting it tight. Gently turn the wrench until it grips and you can see the mechanism move. It will surely take a while, but sooner or later that spare tire will come down.

Figure 1. You can try attaching the wrench to these locations.

Option 2 – Use the bolt and nut combo

The connection which the factory tool would normally be inserted into has a hexagonal (six-sided) pattern, which means that if you can recreate the hex pattern and the right size with a nut, you could attempt to screw it into a long bolt and basically duplicate the factory tool. It will take some tries and patience, but if you get the right size, it could work.

Figure 2. Focus on the hex head pattern on the bolts.

Option 3 – Use a ratchet extension

Ratchet extensions don't posses the hex pattern necessary to mock the factory tool, but they have a very similar four-sided pattern that, if the right size, could fit in the receiving end and turn it. On some Ram models, a 1/2" socket extension has been reported to work rather well.

Figure 3. The four-sided extension could do the trick.

Option 4 – Ask or borrow

This last one may sound like common sense and will likely not help you in the event that you have a flat during an emergency. However, you could always borrow a tool from a fellow similar Ram owner, or you could visit the dealer where they will gladly help you. Alternatively, you could go to a junkyard where these factory tool kits can sometimes be found. It never hurts to have a spare!

Figure 4. Factory tool kit.

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