Ford Spare tire lock removal on 2003 F350

[Mike Fender]

This info may of surfaced before. I understand that Ford had the spare tire lock on the spare tire winches for years 1999 to 2003. Not sure if this info is correct but I had to remove the lock from my tire winch. Used a 9/16" by 3/8" drive Retractor socket, two 3/8" extensions, a ratchet, and hammer. Removed the guide tube its a little tuff but can be done. Slid the socket on the end of the extension down to the lock on the winch, hit four times with a 18oz. hammer which caused the socket to set itself on the lock, put the ratchet on in reverse and dropped the spare tire. The lock if hit hard enough will embed itself in the socket and will come right out of the winch.