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 **** 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.

 

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