Spare Tire Winch

[RMHanes]

Have a '98.5 Quad Cab with 5 speed manual with about 175,000 miles. Dropped the spare tire today to do tire rotation and it was rough and hard. When got done, noticed that the piece holding the spare tire up had a hole in one side due to rust and just looked like it would fall apart if hit a half decent pot hole. What has worked for freeing up the bolts to remove this? Have time to soak with some sort of penetrant before more destructive methods are used. Any one know where can get a replacement winch, other than Dodge, if they even carry it. Does the bed need to be removed to get the bolts out if they are able to be removed using a ratchet or wrench? Any suggestions for a protective coating when get a new one? Know that this is under the bed but would like to put something on the new one though. Instead of replacing might cut the rusted piece off but do not know the best way to attach something that will be as strong as factory.

 

[GReed]

Kroil is the best rust buster I have found. I don't remember which forum it was on, someone had a write up on how to rebuild them. Fluid Film may help protect the cable from rust and corrosion. A wrecking yard may be the best bet for a replacement. If you can find a good one.

 

[BoeingDiesel]

I had the same issue with my '99 except I lost the tire and I have no idea where it happened. The truck is on and off jobsites and my son probably didn't notice when it broke loose. One thing is that smaller hands to get up in there is a plus so my youngest took care of that. Here's a link or you can do a search for the hoist.
https://www.amazon.com/94-02-Dodge-...pID=41ykY3aRaiL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

 

[Timd32]

2nd the Kroil, very good stuff. Especially if you have some time and reapply a few times.

The makers of Kroil have all sorts of products. I have tried a few of their other stuff, but always have Kroil on hand.

http://www.kanolabs.com/google/?gcl...PCjZfzMArGwjuXkxp3TK2sja2VOG8txUaAn3PEALw_wcB