Access Spare tire?

**bartmk** · 02-03-2009, 06:52 PM

Hey everyone I'm new to the forum and have a quesiton that I thought you guys could point me in the right direction with. I have a '01 Silverado Z71 4x4. I need to know if there's a way to access the spare tire under the bed without the factory GM tool. When I bought the truck the guy had lost it and the dealer wants over $150 for the stupid extention tool to get the tire to crank down. Thanks, Bart

**pmf608** · 02-03-2009, 07:13 PM

I think if you can find anything long enough to fit in the lowering tube, you should be able to get it down. I believe the flat end goes in there (only had 1 flat on mine so far... so only about 90%sure) If you have a way, you could buy a steel rod for cheap, grind the end to a flat blade like a screwdriver, and find a way to turn it, you could use that.

OR

you should be able to cut the access tube and would likely then be able to lower the wheel with a large flat screwdriver - without having to unlock the access tube first. This would increase the possibility of theft (although still unlikely unless you have an expensive rim or tire on your spare)

hope this helps

**retired2001** · 02-03-2009, 09:03 PM

That is a rediculous amount of money for that little part (I'm sure you agree)! I would try "salvage yards" or local tire dealers. I hope you can find something !

**MWright936** · 02-03-2009, 09:15 PM

I agree with above. That is an insane price for such a simple part!! Talk about price gouging!

I did a quick eBay search and found this: Chevy OEM Tire Tool Kit

I think it even comes with the jack. He's charging $15 shipping, but that's a sight better than $150!! Maybe a varied search can find others for you. Good luck!

**Springthing** · 02-03-2009, 10:01 PM

Ya buddy... I totally suggest a salvage yard for that one! That's the kind of stuff you'll find there - and for a LOT less bills!

I'm surprised then don't have that kind of stuff with push-button ease yet... open up the glove box and push the rocker switch... tire goes down while the back end makes whirring noises..

**pmf608** · 02-03-2009, 11:09 PM

Originally Posted by Springthing

Ya buddy... I totally suggest a salvage yard for that one! That's the kind of stuff you'll find there - and for a LOT less bills!

I'm surprised then don't have that kind of stuff with push-button ease yet... open up the glove box and push the rocker switch... tire goes down while the back end makes whirring noises..

THAT is a sweet idea. I might just have to look into that type of system.

**05azsilver** · 02-04-2009, 06:48 AM

I would just check salvage yards, or get a crowbar style tool that fits.

**m0j0TX** · 06-16-2009, 12:35 PM

I just found this thread because I have the same need. I purchased my 2004 Silverado Crew Cab Z71 a few months ago, and it didn't come with any of the jack assembly. I don't really need the jack itself, since I have a nice bottle jack I purchased, but I *DO* need the tool to get the spare down.

Ya know, that might be a good money-making idea. I've been looking on eBay motors and some other sites and there seems to be a lot of demand (and little supply) for the used jack assemblies. If someone had the facilities to machine a replacement, they could crank out a lower-cost alternative and make a fortune.

**iPublicEnemy47** · 06-16-2009, 12:47 PM

lol ... I dont even know if I have that tool either im gonna have to check.

**m0j0TX** · 06-16-2009, 12:59 PM

I think I'm going to take a closer look at what is needed tonight, and see if I can manufacture something myself. If I come up with something that works fairly well (and fairly cheaply) I'll post pictures and instructions.