Spare tire

[Arvid]

Anyone checked the condition of their spare tire? My dad recently bought a 2012 1500 in very clean shape with like 70k miles. Decided to lower the spare. He likes to have it in the bed of the truck and not have to crawl under the truck to get it in case of a flat.
The rim was completely rusted.
Is this common? I’ll post some photos later. But just a heads up to some driving older models before you need it one day I wouldn’t feel safe driving on what I found and am getting a cheap aluminum rim to use as a spare for him.

 

[kad]

Yup, that's pretty common. At least he was able to lower it. Many of the neglected ones also have the lowering winch sieze up. I drop mine down once every 6 months (Spring & Fall), wash it down, run the winch cable all the way out and lube both the cable and the rim with Fluid Film before putting it back up. In the process the tire also gets checked for any damage, signs of dry rot, etc.

-K

 

[kad]

Oh, word of warning, the aluminum rims often have a center hole that is too small for the end of the winch cable to fit through so he may not be able to put it back under the truck even if he's so inclined.

-K

 

[Jberg]

Another warning.
The bolt that holds the jack under the seat is exposed to the elements because is goes through the floor to the outside.
It's extremely difficult to remove, even with pliers.
I suggest either removing it now and generously coating it with anti-seize (limited benefit),
Or, as I did, get the 2019 upgrade. It consists of a stud that stays through the floor and a threaded hold down that stays clean inside the truck.
The 2 part kit costs less than $10 and it can really save your day.

 

[crash68]

Or, as I did, get the 2019 upgrade. It consists of a stud that stays through the floor and a threaded hold down that stays clean inside the truck.
The 2 part kit costs less than $10 and it can really save your day.

The two part numbers needed for this mod:
06508288AA
06512623AA

This mod will work on both a 1500 and the 2500/3500 trucks.

 

[Arvid]

Thanks I figured it was common.
Previous owner removed the jack from its factory location and placed it in the storage compartment under the rear seat. The spare lowered fine but he’s just gonna get a used rim put a tire on it and keep it strapped in the bed of the truck. he doesn’t wanna drag it out from under the car if ever needed.

 

[Burla]

Depends on where you live, my truck lives outside and it 10 years old, looks in new condition. I imagine two or three seasons of road salt could change that. I wish we had swing out spares anyhow.

 

[huntergreen]

The two part numbers needed for this mod:
06508288AA
06512623AA

This mod will work on both a 1500 and the 2500/3500 trucks.

Great info, thanks.

 

[huntergreen]

Depends on where you live, my truck lives outside and it 10 years old, looks in new condition. I imagine two or three seasons of road salt could change that. I wish we had swing out spares anyhow.

me to. Need some one to do a custom bumper with built in tire swing.

 

[Burla]

me to. Need some one to do a custom bumper with built in tire swing.

already got them. but they want 2700 for this, lol...

 

[huntergreen]

already got them. but they want 2700 for this, lol...

a bit over priced, but perfect.

 

[Sgambots91]

Another warning.
The bolt that holds the jack under the seat is exposed to the elements because is goes through the floor to the outside.
It's extremely difficult to remove, even with pliers.
I suggest either removing it now and generously coating it with anti-seize (limited benefit),
Or, as I did, get the 2019 upgrade. It consists of a stud that stays through the floor and a threaded hold down that stays clean inside the truck.
The 2 part kit costs less than $10 and it can really save your day.

I just bought a brand new 2019 Classic last week. Does mine have this upgraded kit or is this only on the new 2019?

 

[Hemi395]

I used antiseize on mine a few years ago and now I just soak it with Fluid Film when I shoot my truck in the fall. Never had a problem with it coming out....

 

[crash68]

I just bought a brand new 2019 Classic last week. Does mine have this upgraded kit or is this only on the new 2019?

If your jack has a large plastic "nut" holding it down then you have the new style. You can spin that nut off and a threaded stud will remain.
I seem to think Ram started using this set up sometime with the '18 model year.

 

[Hemi395]

https://www.ramforum.com/threads/do...wn-replace-yours-with-the-2018-pieces.146845/

 

[stevenram]

I think your right Crash, my 2018 has the large spin on winged plastic nut

 

[jerboy]

I have a 2016 sport and tried to remove the spare, it was froze up, had to cut the cable to remove it. It stays in the bed now or I will get a can of fix-a-flat and leave the spare home.

 

[Livinalittle]

Studs and wing nuts are pretty cheap...