I just noticed my spare on my 2003 Durango is gone - assuming it was ripped off (probably at the Detroit airport!).

If someone cut the cable (as is the typical technique), do I have to take it to a dealer to get a new cable or even new system installed?

Also, I heard it's better just to get a regular sized tire, rather than smaller spare tires. Is that true?
(Also, spares are tougher to find b/c Durango has the 6 lug-nut design on its rims.)

Is it recommended to go find a new (regular sized) tire and rim from aq junk yard or online dealer and then take it all to the dealer so I don't get charged an arm and a leg for all that stuff at the dealer?
(You may detect some bitterness about dealers - the one in N. Va. we got our Durango from charged us for our second key and then had the gall to ask that we make referrals).