Spare tire winch cable bracket

[VolsFan]

while preparing to install the rear shocks on my 2003, had to remove the spare. It’s a 305/70/17. Turned counter clock wise and it didnt lower. Didn’t feel any resistance. I ended up cutting the bracket to lower the spare. Once off I couldn’t see a sheer pin or anything. The whole setup is in poor shape. Can the winch be repaired or replaced? The old shocks came off and new ones on without issue

 

[jgillott]

I had the same thing happen on my 2010. It rusted in the raised position and I couldn't get the spare down. Just replace the winch assembly.

 

[Ozymandias]

Jop, replace the assembly.
Its a sealed unit that can not be opened or repaired.