How can I lower the spare tire without the original jack assembly?
#1
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There is a square bracket accessible through the back of the van to lower the spare tire. I assume it was built for the tools that come with the jack, which I no longer have.
How can I plug into this and lower the spare tire in an emergency situation?
First thing I tried was going to junkyards and looking for Dodge jack kits, but apparently they are the first thing to go.
#3
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There is a square bracket accessible through the back of the van to lower the spare tire. I assume it was built for the tools that come with the jack, which I no longer have.
How can I plug into this and lower the spare tire in an emergency situation?
First thing I tried was going to junkyards and looking for Dodge jack kits, but apparently they are the first thing to go.
They aren't really the first to go, they don't make it to the yard. Most people lose them, like your van's previous owner. Like busted nuckle said, you can use an extension and either a ratchet or speed wrench. In a pinch, you can see if a tire iron with the pry bar end will fit or a really large flat head screw driver. Stick the screw driver in the widest points and twist by hand. I'd personally go with the ratchet and a long extension to keep the hands clear of the bumper.
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#8
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Like busted knuckles said above, a quarter inch works real good. If you don't have a !/4" drive extension, pick up a 1/4" garbage disposal key at a hardware store. It has the four sides needed for a good fit, measures abut 4" then bends at a right angle with another 4" to use as a handle. I keep one in the glove compartment as an emergency backup.