I am in the middle of making 1 out of 2 spare wheel lowering winch's for my 82 ute. I have one complete and assembled. While testing it on the bench (in the vice) i can make it wind up fine but cant make it lower. It looks like it needs to push inwards to clear the locking teeth.

Am i on the right track? Should it move over and then spring back?

Any help appreciated.