For the F150-550 guys. I lost my spare tire key. I removed the plastic guide tube, between the bumper and top of spare, by tugging on it with plyers. Used my ratchet with 20” of extensions to reach the spare tire lowering crank. After several different socket sizes, 19mm fit over the lock then a couple blows with a hammer onto the extensions. I used the ratchet to lower the spare. Popped socket off. I applied vise grips to the lock on the crank unit and cranked counter clockwise until I felt a crack. I tapped vise grips with hammer, lock popped out. 3/8” square extension now fits in lock hole ,20” length, now works to lower and raise spare tire. Dealer quoted $320. for new lock and key installed.
*plastic guide tube clicks right back in place.