97 Landcruiser 80 Series

From memory there should be a jack handle with 3 or 4 extensions and 1 with a half round hook. Join all together and find a slot in/near the rear bumper. Insert the hook end through the slot and find the slot on the spare wheel bracket. Insert the hook end in there. Then wind the spare down. Not sure which way it winds. May also need to push the handle in with continual pressure while winding. One way down...other way up. Some wd40 or such may need to be sprayed on the ratchet on the winding mechanism. Job is easier with 2 people at the start until you get used to where to place the hook end. Bob

Yep, quite possible. The BIL bought a 100 series and when he went to change his first flat found an extension was missing from the jack tool kit. Apparently quite common on that model but maybe on the 80's as well, or someone has 'souvenired it.

Cheers
Pop

Kevin,

As well as the 3 extensions required out of the tool bag, and the handle to turn them, I seem to recall there is another step in the process.

On the chrome type scruff strip, on edge of the rear compartment, there could a domed square nut? Think this locks "something" and has to be unscrewed(anti-clockwise) to allow the extension to pass through to the spare tyre winch. On the '97 GXL we had, seemed to remember that I dispensed with locking device, with an angle grinder!

To lower the tyre, turn the handle anti-clockwise, and if the winch isn't seized up or over tightened, then it should lower.........after a fashion. Sometimes the chain links twist around, and it won't lower the tyre right to ground level, but this can be rectified by getting dirty and lowering by hand, or untwisting the chain.

There was one model, can't recall if it was Hilux or Landcruiser, that had a wire cable instead of a chain, and these usually caused few dramas...........when you went to lower the tyre, it was missing because the cable had snapped:-)))

Bob

On my 100 series, once the lowering handle has been assembled (3 pieces as I recall; 2 rods and a handle) there is a 'security key' that is inserted into the end of the rod - this mates with a receiver inside a funnel on the winch mechanism. In case you don't get the good oil here, try the Lcool.org forum..... join up and search the 80's section first - if nothing on that subject, post a question (but search first !).

Gday
I bought a new jack handle kit last year and the whole lot including a bag I think was less than $20.00..

Open the bottom half of the tailgate. In the middle of the chrome protector that is hidden by the closed tailgate there is a nut with a Phillips head screw in it. That nut needs to be loosened right off before you can get the brown rods into the slot to wind down the spare wheel.

Assemble the brown rods together and poke the hook end into the slot between the rear bumper and the tailgate (now closed). It should slide right in. Turn the handle slowly until is slots into the recess in the lowering mechanism.

Its hard to explain without pictures but it is the best I can do.

WBS

Hi Kevin.
look just below the tail gate, left of centre, and you will see a hole in the panel work.
Sometimes there is a cover covering this hole.
Look into the hole and you will see a round device with a slot in it. This is where the jack handle slots in.

Wind anti clockwise for down and clockwise for up. It may be very firm to get started but this is the correct direction. Go hard if you have to.

There are two or three extensions to the jack handle including the hook end not including the T piece for the crank. They all fit together.
drawing of winch housing


This is a photo of the handle.


Cheers, Bruce.

Thanks to everybody for your input...some pretty brilliant instructions...particularly the photos and diagrams. Going to have a crack at it with the Prado handle. At least we now know how it should work. Cheers Kevin

And good luck to you if the bloody thing hasn't been used for ages as it will be clogged up with dirt, dust or mud! Living in the bush we have found the only answer is to have the spare mounted on the rear bumper. At least then, I as a woman can change it easily. GRRRHH toyota spares are a pain in the ar*e. Toni