RepairPal Certified shops can diagnose and repair your 2004 Ford Freestar. They provide transparent pricing with a minimum 12-month or 12,000-mile warranty on repairs and services.
See page 194 in the owners manual.... IF you don't have the owners manual, below is a link to download a FREE PDF copy!
https://carmanuals2.com/ford/freestar-2004-owner-s-manual-29686
Under the carpet just inside of rear hatch is a 19mm bolt that when turned counterclockwise lowers the cable and retainer that hold the spare tire. Ford's drawings and instructions for this are extremely poor.
It will also have pictures in the *owners manual* and that's very handy!!