So, I am sure some of the PTs on this board will check in soon when they get home from work, but here is my non-expert opinion. I also tore my ACL ~ 3 years ago, so I know what you are and will be going through. That said, fiven the location of the pain you are describing it sounds like your IT band that is causing the problems. This runs from your hip down to your knee on the outside of your leg, and can cause lots of pain including knee pain. For me the best thing to do for it, in addition to stretchin, was to use a foam roller. Basically you lay on your side and roll your leg up and down the foam roller keeping off of your knee and hip joints. It will hurt like he!! at first (at least it did for me), but it makes a huge difference.

Is there anyway you can get in for some PT for your knee? This is where they found all the IT band problems for me and did wonders taking care of it. Also, you want to get really strong before (and if) you have surgery to repair the ACL, it will make recovery a lot easier.

Good luck!
Ellen