In my case, the cable has separated from the mechanism and the window
slides up and down freely - mostly down until I stuck a block of wood in
there. My very reliable mechanic took a look inside and said that the
regulator is trashed. Not sure if it related to the very nasty dirt rode
my wife was driving on when it failed. Anyway, the mechanic called the
Ford dealer and blanched at the $200+ price tag. At that point, he
suggested I go find one on the 'net.

In my case, the cable has separated from the mechanism and the window
slides up and down freely - mostly down until I stuck a block of wood in
there. My very reliable mechanic took a look inside and said that the
regulator is trashed. Not sure if it related to the very nasty dirt rode
my wife was driving on when it failed. Anyway, the mechanic called the
Ford dealer and blanched at the $200+ price tag. At that point, he
suggested I go find one on the 'net.

In my case, the cable has separated from the mechanism and the window
slides up and down freely - mostly down until I stuck a block of wood in
there. My very reliable mechanic took a look inside and said that the
regulator is trashed. Not sure if it related to the very nasty dirt rode
my wife was driving on when it failed. Anyway, the mechanic called the
Ford dealer and blanched at the $200+ price tag. At that point, he
suggested I go find one on the 'net.

I read this post yesterday and was glad I didn't have this problem.  I went
outside and noticed my driver side back window was down several inches and I
was sure I closed it before I shut off the engine.  Guess what?  It's stuck.
It goes down but won't go back up!

The buttons on the main control have not worked to raise if for some time
but the one's on the problem door worked fine.  Until yesterday.  I thought
it was because Ford put the buttons where they get rained on whenever you
open the door.

I've done that before with pretty poor results. I check for
availability, make the trip to the junkyard, which is only open at
inconvenient times in inconvenient places, only to find out they don't
really have the right part - wrong year, wrong side, something is always
getting in the way. On the other hand, I've found an amazing shop in CA
that specializes in Toyota parts. I get great service without leaving my
office - the right part, the right price. I was hoping someone could
point to a similar operation dealing in Ford Explorer parts.

You fall upon hard times, my friend.  I see long stressful days ahead.  My
'91 Explorer suffered the same disease, and still does 18 months later.
I, too have a chunk of wood keeping the window up.  I found regulators in
your price range you mentioned several places. My problem goes beyond
accessibility and visibility and wanders dangerously close to
disability-my own.  The top portion of the frame and regulator that braces
everything is mounted by rivets.  In order to replace this certian part, I
must be a mechanical genious or have a little help from my friends.  
Though I know what a daunting task lies ahead, I am sure that with your
wherewithall you can overcome and teach the masses.  Or at least
me...Please!  Every once in a while I will accidently press the disabled
window switch and hear a "BZZZZZZZZHHHHHHHHH."  At first I am startled,
but then press the switch again, both up and down, just to know that there
is still life in them thar door bones.  PLEASE send any insight you have
gained from this malady to me.  Let me reiterate-18 MONTHS!!!!  Thank you
for so much of your time. All Best!