My used 1994 4Runner didn't come with an owner's manual, and neither the Haynes book nor the FSM told me how to lower it.

Here it is for your reference.

You will need a long rod with a hook on the end of it. This appears to be designed to store under the back seats. If you pull the release tabs and flip up the bottom of the seats, hopefully it will be there. There are little clips to hold it in place, but I accidentally found mine where some previous owner had left it right by where the rear lap belts attach to the body. You will also need another piece that has a square hole in it and is bent like an "L". The square hole fits on to the end of the long rod with a hook. I appear to have an extension also, but I don't think it's strictly necessary.

There should be an oblong slot in the rear bumper, around the middle. You are supposed to pass the hook through this slot. I know you're confused because it's a hook, but it will actually slot into a little piece that's up underneath, just behind and above the tailpipe. I think it's hooked so you can pull the winch cable out to get easier access to the tire once lowered. You should be able to find this piece by following a connecting rod from up above the spare wheel/tire to a little gearbox.

Once you've slotted it in (I find it way easier to do this laying under the rear bumper on the driver's side), you can attach the handle (with extension if desired) and crank it counter-clockwise to lower. To put it back, just repeat in reverse until the spring on the tire bracket is fully compressed.

Questions or comments welcome. FWIW mine was pretty dirty and maybe rusty, being 20 years old, so I sprayed some WD-40 on and let it sit for 10 minutes to loosen. Later I'll lubricate it properly.

wow, really helpful for clueless people like myself thanks!

I'm just glad I was flipping the seats up for something else, here I'd read about the hooked rod but could find no such thing, thought I'd have to order a new one!

Also some guides I read online made it sound like the hook slotted into something just inside the bumper, but at least on mine that doesn't seem to be true. There's a bracket that looks like it used to have something attached -- maybe there used to be something right there that connected to the other one? Based on the length of the hooked rod though, it seems like it's all kosher on mine. Hmm. Anyone else with a 1994 that can inform me what theirs has?

i've got a 94. those parts are under my seats. also, the dude who i bought it from had some parts in the rear compartments in the cargo. haven't played with them though

I figured when I've got a blown tire up a rocky mountain road, in the snow, at 8pm, is the wrong time to do it for the first time, so I got it all sorted today .

ha good point! So, then, wheres the jack..?

Hahaha, mine didn't come with one. I just bought a hi-lift to be kept in the car at all times anyway. I need to get some mechanism for connecting it with the proper lift points on the vehicle for blown tire purposes, IIRC there are straps and stuff out there.

I believe it should be stored normally in the rear passenger-side compartment in the side of the cargo area, there are some brackets there.

HOWTO: Lower spare wheel/tire on any damned truck you want -

WTH is a "King Da" grinder? I have two cheap Harbor Freights and a cheap Ryobi. Is there actually a cheaper brand that Harbor Freights' Chicago Electric, made in Chi Ka Go, People's Republic of China?

The jack for my '94 was under the driver's side rear seat, under a flap of carpet.

..and over 9 Years Later [!!] this is still a very useful Thread..!! Thank you..!!!

And now I know what that Rod is for..!!