As part of my winter tire changeover process, I also lower my full size spare tire and add some air as it loses a couple of pounds over a year. Unfortunately I found the winch completely seized/rusted in place. There was no way that I could turn it with that flimsy rod with the loop hook at the end. If I did get a flat tire this would have been a nightmare.
I had to clamp a vise-grip to the tab with the hole then turn the vise-grip with a pipe wrench. I was finally able to break it free. I sprayed lots of WD40 into the area but will probably replace the winch. I'm going to see if the LR3 spare tire winch is still available. Instead of the tab-with-a-hole, it has a 22mm nut that you turn with the lug nut wrench or any 22mm socket to raise & lower the tire.
I had to clamp a vise-grip to the tab with the hole then turn the vise-grip with a pipe wrench. I was finally able to break it free. I sprayed lots of WD40 into the area but will probably replace the winch. I'm going to see if the LR3 spare tire winch is still available. Instead of the tab-with-a-hole, it has a 22mm nut that you turn with the lug nut wrench or any 22mm socket to raise & lower the tire.