i can not figure out how to take it off! mine is just hanging by the thing in the middel, is that normal?

 

Hanging as in dangling or secure against the bottom of the frame? Get out your jack tools. Take the long piece that's the same on both ends and then the ratchet. There's a hole in the back of the bed (below the tailgate, above the bumer, to the right of the license plate). Stick the long piece in and put the ratchet on it for down. Crank away and it will lower.

 

hmm ok, another dumb question. where are my jack tools? i found the jack under the passenger seat but thats it...

 

I have a reg cab so if yours is extended, would be a different spot (probly under rear seat) but mine are in the bottom tray behind my seat. It's a thin vinyl case that goes sideways and is held to the back of the cab with a loop of velcro.

 

dumb question. Got a owners manual, it should be in your glove box. The manual will tell you where and how.

 

Nice dude thanks for the advice about the owner manual, gee never would have thought of that!

so anyway...

its a used truck, no owners manual!

its a regular cab, and nothing in the trays.
so i dont have those tools i take it. anything else i can do short of buying them?

 

Don't know if it will work or not but could try a 1/2" extension for your ratchet. It's a hex hole so it won't be perfect. Not sure what size it would take either. If you have a regular lug wrench (nut driver on one side and flat blade on other, that might work too).

 

i used some kind of shade tree rig on mine might have been a 1/2 extension or pry bar or anything that'll fit the hole. its not real tight to wind it up/down, so about anything will work. whatever you use, stash it in the truck for that emergency need.

 

THANKS guys the half inch extension did the trick! guess i need to keep it with me

 

Check for a replacement at a salvage yard or EBay. Uh...same thing.