So, we’re replacing the rear shocks on my 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, but we found out that we need to lower the spare tire first to reach them. The problem is, we have no idea how to lower the tire. Anyone here know the steps? My dad tried to figure it out, but he’s coming up short. You know how dads usually know everything… well, maybe just not this time!
Good idea to replace the tire while it’s down. It’s gotta be nearly 20 years old now!
Fraser said:
Good idea to replace the tire while it’s down. It’s gotta be nearly 20 years old now!
Definitely! It’s flat and looks rough anyway.
Here’s a picture of the lowering mechanism. Sometimes it’s not super obvious.
Jamie said:
Here’s a picture of the lowering mechanism. Sometimes it’s not super obvious.
Thanks! The previous owner didn’t include the manual, just the cover 
. Appreciate the help!
@Noor
No problem! By the way, you can find all the Ford owner’s manuals on their website.
Jamie said:
@Noor
No problem! By the way, you can find all the Ford owner’s manuals on their website.
Can’t believe we didn’t think of that! Definitely a “duh” moment.
Jamie said:
@Noor
No problem! By the way, you can find all the Ford owner’s manuals on their website.
Can’t believe we didn’t think of that! Definitely a “duh” moment.
If you prefer a physical copy, eBay usually has older vehicle manuals. That’s where I found mine for my Explorer.
@Kai
You’re kidding, right? Why pay for an ‘05 manual when it’s free as a PDF from Ford? Just download it to your phone.
Thorne said:
@Kai
You’re kidding, right? Why pay for an ‘05 manual when it’s free as a PDF from Ford? Just download it to your phone.
I grabbed mine for about $15, including shipping. Figured it was worth it.
@Kai
Paying for it is a bit unnecessary when it’s free on Ford’s site. I mean, I’d get it if it were a repair manual with diagrams, but the owner’s manual? Just grab the PDF.
Thorne said:
@Kai
Paying for it is a bit unnecessary when it’s free on Ford’s site. I mean, I’d get it if it were a repair manual with diagrams, but the owner’s manual? Just grab the PDF.
I get that, but having both would be handy. Just in case I’m without my phone and actually need the manual. Might even print it out, though, it’d be on full-size paper instead of in a book format, which isn’t ideal.
@Noor
My printer can do two or four pages on a single sheet, double-sided. But honestly, I always just use the PDF. If I’m without my phone, I’ve got bigger problems than finding a manual!
@Kai
Good point! Gonna download it now to avoid any future hassle.
If you can’t figure out the spare, are you really sure you’re ready to tackle the shocks?
Koa said:
If you can’t figure out the spare, are you really sure you’re ready to tackle the shocks?
Want to cover the cost for a mechanic? 
Koa said:
If you can’t figure out the spare, are you really sure you’re ready to tackle the shocks?
Want to cover the cost for a mechanic?
Okay, that was a bit harsh, but lowering a spare isn’t usually too complex. Though, if the spare hasn’t been touched in ages, the hoist might be rusted. I had to take mine off, clean out old grease, and re-lube it once.
If you don’t have the hoist tool, a long screwdriver can work, or you could find one cheap at a junkyard.
@Thorne
Thanks! It feels like people think we don’t know anything just because we haven’t done this before. My dad’s handled shocks plenty of times; he just wasn’t sure how to lower the spare on this particular model. Once we got a look at the manual, it seemed simple, but yeah, could be gummed up or rusty.
@Thorne
Honestly, do you think it’s safe for someone to mess with coil springs under tension if they can’t even lower the spare?