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.

 

Did you try a 3/8" extension on a ratchet? If it doesnt fit grind it down to fit

 

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.

 

I used my cordless drill and and an extension, 3/8" if I recall correctly.

 

I went out and checked my van and a 1/4" drive socket extension fits in the hole perfect.

 

Most yards around here pull the Jack's out toss them as soon as the vehicle hots the yard before being put out for picking parts because the yard owners don't want customer jacking up vehicles in the yard and having them fall on someone

 

I bought a 2002 Ram Van 2500 a few months ago, and found out that a 1/2" 8 point(square) socket 3/8" drive will fit. My jack and jack tools were missing also.

 

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.