Mystery box under Astro? What is this thing?

[A Random Bush]

It is a little box located behind the left rear axle, with some sort of cable coming out the bottom of it and a rod going through to the back of the van above the bumper.

[EDIT] This is 1993 Chevy AstroEXT RWD

[Corsemoto]

That's the spare tire cable assemby, looks like your cable broke and so the mounting piece is missing. End of lug wrench fits into hole and turns gear which raises/lowers cable.

[A Random Bush]

That's the spare tire cable assemby, looks like your cable broke and so the mounting piece is missing. End of lug wrench fits into hole and turns gear which raises/lowers cable.

That would explain why it didn't have a spare tire when I bought it. Thanks, I might look into getting that replaced.

[SnRASTRO]

I've got one from my '99 Astro. It's an Oregon vehicle so it's not all rusted out. I just mounted my spare on rear door so don't need the factory carrier. PM me if interested.