What Is This?

truckin · July 4, 2008

I got this off a late 90's Silverado extended cab. The item on the left is the one I am asking about. The item on the right is the bar that connects to spare tire lifting mechanism under the truck. The bar on the left was attached to the one on the right as shown in the 4th picture. Note that I have ground these both down with a wire brush and painted them gloss black with appliance epoxy so if you have these yours will look quite a bit different. I would like to know what the bar on the left is intended to be used for. I don't see how it could help the spare tire raising and lowering mechanism. The other odd thing is there is no where under the truck to secure this piece so its not swinging wildly and banging against the underside of the truck while driving.

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s47/sadman_the/unit1.jpg

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s47/sadman_the/unit2.jpg

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s47/sadman_the/unit3.jpg

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s47/sadman_the/unit4.jpg

gm4yrs · July 4, 2008

The bar on the left, is a spare tire lock. It connects on the "tunnel" to the spare tire crank. Lower the tire, put the bar, with the loop on the tunnel, then raise the tire, position the rod through a lug hole on the spare, crank the tire up snug, and slide the lock up. You are missing the lock.

truckin · July 4, 2008

Ahhhhhh. I think I would be missing another bar of some sort as well as the lock then as I don't see how what I have in the pictures could lock the tire in place. I don't really see anyone attempting to steal my spare so I guess I don't need this. Just for ><'s and giggles though, does anyone have a picture of their spare tire locked with one of these mechanisms so I could see what I'm missing. That way I would be able to recognize the pieces when roaming salvage yards.

Thanks for the fast reply.

gm4yrs · July 4, 2008

I would recommend buying the lock and rod assembly at the dealer. The lock needs a key. I bought mine in 1999, for $20. at the dealer. This device, saved my spare tire, on my 1992 Gmc. The crank was to the ground and my spare was locked in place. Too bad, the thieves, had to find another spare elsewhere!