Spare tire removal:

Why does the tool not reach where it's supposed to?? It says to screw the two pieces together, slide it through the hole in the bumper til it stops, then turn counter clockwise and the spare will lower to the ground. When i put it in as far as possible (where it has resistance), it is too far to turn (bumper is in the way) and if i pull it out a bit, it's not in the "slot" to turn. What's the deal!!!!!??????

Hitch removal:

The 19mm socket is too big, and the 3/4 is too big, anything smaller won't fit the lug. This is killing me!!

 

To lower the spair tire, use the long bent rod that is behind the fan shrowd under the hood. What tool are you useing (Two-piece?!)

Use a big heavy adjustable wrench (I know there is a technical name here...)

 

I used the hood prop to get the spare down. Mine reached fine.

As far as the Hitch, This is not a big help but I did use a socket Im almost pos. it wasn't Metric

Creset Wrench (Spelling)

 

Thanks guys, i'll try the rod behind the fan shroud. The manual shows to use the wrench (2-piece) that is with the jack which was under the passangers seat.

Edit: ok, the hood prop worked! I don't know what i missed in the manual. Oh well.

Anyone have the size of socket to use for the removal of the hitch? I'm trying to avoid using a cresent wrench.

 

i used an 18mm to remove the hitch

 

18mm? Ok, great, i just realized my set goes from 19mm to 17mm on down from there. You might know!!

Anyway, i just used the cresent to get it started and then used a 3/4 inch solid wrench to make it easier once it was loose. I got 2 done and now it's getting dark, plus Sopranos is on in a bit...

 

I didn't get a hood prop with my truck.
When I open the hood it stays up by itself.

 

Dang mine stays open too! Is it supposed to fall? And what about that light, whats it for. LOL. That spare setup really is something. Real nice in the snow.

Mark

 

i think he was talking about the long bar that has the bends in it that is used to turn the jack. it has a few brackets that it snaps into under the hood.

 

I thought it was a hood prop if you had to take off your hood compression shocks to get the hood straight up.

 

Nope... All its for is to lower the spare tire...

The manual must be messed up because a guy at the track here this weekend though the same thing....

 

Anyone know what the short two-piece under the seat with the jack mentioned in this thread might be for?

I don't have one.
Maybe if you get a flat on the side of the road the short one will keep you out of traffic as you crank it up?

 

Im not to sure but it sounds like its for use with the jack...

 

I have to use the same crank under the hood to lower the spare and work the jack.

First a Supercharger, now this?!

I think Lightnings guys should only have one crank like the rest of us!