Good point McNeely - you are right that is the role of the clip - however
I've had van's in the past with a broken clip - it's not easy but you can
carefully lower the tray without it - not ideal but it can be done.

You should have no problems getting the tray lowered and the spare out with
a flat front tire - even with the lower ground clearance of your van..

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Thanks,

Jeff
'85 GL (Gertie)
'90 Carat (Grover - the noble parts donor)
'78 Bus (Melissa) Patty's Bus