Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
Ford Explorer Community - Maintenance - Modifications - Performance Upgrades - Problem Solving - Off-Road - Street
Explorer Forum Covers the Explorer ST, Explorer Sport, Explorer Sport Trac, Lincoln Aviator, Mercury Mountaineer, Mazda Navajo, Ford Ranger, Mazda Pickups, and the Ford Aerostar
I have found that my 2002 4x4 ford explorer is a base model with a no trim option while looking for parts! Most everywhere I look for parts I'm asked for the Trim after make and model for compatibility of the parts. Unfortunately I don't have trim because it's obviously the base model so what do I do? The few places I've found that allow vin searching have outrageous prices and 1 placed it as an XLT but when I used it on another site I was told it would fit with my Trac option... my vehicle doesn't have Trac option. At my wits end and really need to replace my rear knuckle and wheel bearing assembly. I don't want to wait days for an answer whether it might fit nor another week to find out it's the wrong part. I only have 1 car and it is becoming dangerous. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
The base model trim is XLS. Your rear knuckle / wheel bearing assembly doesn't depend on trim level, AFAIK, though I do see mention of Traction Control on Rock Auto, which I assume is what you mean by "Trac option".
Rock Auto shows the same part #'s for the 4.0L and 4.6L too. I'd get the SKF if I knew more about it, I mean it looks like it is the newer build style that takes a 17mm toe link (more info in my post below):
Brake & Wheel Hub Parts and More for Your 2002 FORD EXPLORER at Reliably Low Prices. Fast Online Catalog. DIY-Easy. Your Choice of Quality. Full Manufacturer Warranty.
www.rockauto.com
If in a hurry, looks like Autozone has them too but Dorman brand at a high price markup, $419 for the same thing Rock Auto is selling for $248
What I am gathering from Rock Auto's listings is that before build date 3/04/02, the toe link was 15mm, a different size while after 3/04/02 it was 17mm so if you have the earlier build and replace with the knuckle from a newer build design, will have to replace the toe link, AKA lateral arm, too. Unfortunately I don't see any listings for the knuckles that take 15mm toe links, maybe I Just overlooked it or maybe nobody is making them due to such a short manufacturing period during which they were used. Someone else might have better luck finding this.
RockAuto ships auto parts and body parts from over 300 manufacturers to customers' doors worldwide, all at warehouse prices. Easy to use parts catalog.
www.rockauto.com
It looks like Advance Auto Parts carries the Dorman Toe link but again, at $105 it is much more expensive than the closeout price of $17 at Rock Auto. I'm not necessarily recommending Dorman brand over others, rather that if you can't figure out if yours has the 15mm or 17mm toe link, and it turns out you have 15mm but the knuckle you buy needs 17mm, there are some options to get the larger 17mm toe link quickly. Last link below, Amazon has it for $37
Amazon product ASIN B00902FQN0
Keep in mind that if you put a new toe link on, I'd assume you then need a rear wheel alignment. Maybe you can eyeball it and DIY adjust to very near the same length, but that's up to you to gamble on tire wear... would be a good idea to try to do that anyway if you decide to drive it to an alignment shop.
All the above is only my best guess. I did not do a forum search and if you didn't either, that's the next thing to try.
