Steering knuckle info

[pirinolsky]

Hello all, I have a 2000 Explorer Sport, 2DR, 4x4. I was recently in a hit and run which damaged the front drivers side of my Explorer. It broke the tie rod and the section of the "knuckle" it attaches to. I doubt the bracket the tie rod attaches to can be welded back on. I have enclosed a pic so you can all see what I am talking about. I have been searching all over trying to find out what the part is called, til I came across an exploded diagram of the section of the truck in question. The part is called the steering knuckle. My issue is that I have called auto zone and many other auto parts stores in the Chicago area and no one knows what I am talking about. I have even printed out the pic I posted here and showed them, but no one knows. Which leads me to believe its a part I can only find thru a dealer or pull it my self in a junk yard.

I am very frustrated because I have looked up the part on google images and all it shows me is a lot of random explorer pics and nothing I find verifies if the part is actually called a knuckle. I went to car-part.com but I cant verify if thats the part I am seeking. Does not show any pics.

Mainly I am trying to verify if that is the parts actual name, and if there is a place where I can order it, also want to know if its a part I can replace myself. I have tools but I was told by a friend I would need pneumatic tools and other special tools I do not have. If its not a do it yourself type of thing I will just bite the bullet and have it towed to a shop.

I look forward to your responses.

I tried adding a pic but the forum wont allow me to upload any from my hard drive, so the pic is in this forum at http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=187964&page=8

It is the 3rd pic from the top, it was posted by Joe Dirt at 10-31-2010, 10:01 AM

 

[corkey]

call a junkyad and ask them for a 4wd spindle, they can be had for cheap, they may also call it a knuckle too,

 

[pirinolsky]

call a junkyad and ask them for a 4wd spindle, they can be had for cheap, they may also call it a knuckle too,

Thanks, I will definetely do that. Any idea if its a do it yourself kind of job? I dont have access to a compressor or pneumatic tools. Thanks

 

[corkey]

it can be done with all hand tools,, there is a thread for ball joints, it shows you most of the spindle change,,

 

[pirinolsky]

Yes I believe I have seen that thread. First thing tomorrow i will call local junk yards and try to locate the part.