You should install new window glass in your Ford Explorer if the old glass was cracked in any way and especially if the window was completely broken and shattered. The glass used in an Explorer is usually about 24 by 32 inches for front doors and 22 by 24 for rear doors. Check with an auto glass expert for the exact size used for your year model Explorer. Once you have the correct glass, you must open up the door's trim panel to insert the glass within its regulator.
Lower the window regulator, whether it has the old glass or not, to the bottom of the door. Pry the weatherstrip up and out of the window opening on the vehicle door. Grab the strip at the end near the outer edge of the door (away from the door hinges). Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Detach the door's trim panel. Pry the door handle bezel off with a flat-blade tool and remove the armrest switch control, unplugging its electrical connectors. Remove all screws on the trim panel, including the one that was behind the armrest control. Lift up the panel up off its retaining clips by grabbing it at the switch control opening. Disconnect any other electricla connectors.
Peel the water shield away from the door. If the Explorer has speakers in the door, remove them and any other screws that are in the way of removing the water shield.
Remove the old glass, or any pieces of glass, if necessary. Remove the bolts fastening it to the regulator. If the glass is mostly intact, lift it upward and out of the door. If the glass is in shattered pieces, carefully remove each piece individually and make sure no shards fall into the door frame.
Insert the new window glass into the door and into the regulator. You can slide it down through the door's window opening, but, if it's possible, it might be easier to push it up through the bottom of the door and then back down into the regulator. Bolt the window in place on the regulator.
Replace the water shield and speakers on the door. Reattach the full trim panel in reverse order of removal. Fit the weatherstrip back on the window opening.
