I got the spare tire lock from the dealer, it is made by McGuard and
replaces the stock crank down rod with a rod that requires a special insert
to spin it (outer part of rod just spins and does not crank down the wheel).
The rod (key) slips down inside to engage it and then put the standard
ratchet on it to lower it down. New rod (key) stores right in with the other
rods. Was like $18 and just had it added to price of truck. Took like 15 min
to install. of course if crook has a "key rod" then you are sunk.
Gary
----- Original Message -----
From: "Sean Bruckman" <bruckman@urisp.com>
To: <dakota-truck@buffnet.net>
Sent: Wednesday, March 08, 2000 11:22 AM
Subject: DML: Stolen Spare
> A long time ago my spare was stolen and i forgot to relate the story to
you
> guys. If you did not know, the spare on your 97+ dakota is extremely
> conveniently secured. Meaning: It's real easy to get off. Meaning: It's
real
> easy to steal.
>
> Mine was stolen the very first night i had my truck. I parked it at my
> apartment downtown, went up stairs, got in bed, and then i heard a noise
> outside... It took them about 5 seconds. I seriously didn't hear anything
> after the first noise (presumably the wheel dropping into the weak arms of
> some punk p.o.s. and crashing into the pavement.) I was tired from
driving
> around constantly from my 5pm pickup time to around 2am. (i thought about
> sleeping in the truck somewhere deserted just to bond, and i wish i
had...)
>
> I do not live in even a moderate crime area... I planned on getting the
> spare lock, but it's too late now. I would suggest everyone plunk down the
> cash for a lock of some sort (even if it's a length of chain and a friggin
> padlock.) This is by far the most vulnerable part of our trucks and i
have
> heard many stories of kids running around town and getting a complete set
of
> either the upscale durango-type wheels like mine or especially r/t rims.
If
> you have an r/t without a spare lock you are taking an unbelievable
risk...
> especially since a new wheel and tire would run you 250-350. Heck, it's a
> good idea to get locks for the mounted wheels as well.
>
> Sorry for the length, but this is something i'm adamant about.
>
> In addition, i would like to ask anyone if they knew where i could find an
> adequate spare replacement for my truck... i don't want to add the weight
of
> the stock wheel and tire back, and i don't want to pay for something
> expensive that was stolen, so i want something compact, maybe even a
> collapsible spare. i don't know where to look other than a junkyard. any
> ideas?
>
> Sean Bruckman
> 18 w/ '00 RC 4.7 Auto Loaded
>
>
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