So what is the trick to install pass window in 86 cab?

[zippy_gg]

I have been struggling with this for hours.
I searched and read everything I could fine...
And I hate instructions that say "Installation is reverse of removal" because it just doesn't work that way!
I had the window, motor, and regulator out for maintenance.
The old grease in the regulator was hard and it took effort to remove and is now replaced with white lithium grease.
The front quarter window is still out, as is the the rear window channel.
Regulator and motor are back in the car and I can insert the window at an angle and get the rear roller into the track but no way the front roller will go in. It just does not line up, close but no cigar.
I tried loosening the regulator and it helps a little but still no go.
I tried at many heights using the motor, and at times it feels I could almost get the roller in... but nope!
Any advice welcome..>! TIA!

[zippy_gg]

Anyone else struggled with this?
Am I the only one? I am sure there is "a way" to get the darn window back in...
Do I need to have the regulator completely loose? Or just the rear bracket?

[mhackney]

I just replaced the window & window rail on my 83 cab, I think yours is similar as we both use the same window rail (911-542-058-42). It required that the wing window be removed, the rear track stayed in. The regulator was also attached to the door. It sounds like you tried to install from the back forward. I installed from the front back. Here's how I did it:

1) position the regulator about 1/2 open (as I recall, it might have been a little lower than 1/2 way)
2) hold the window with 2 hands standing inside the open door facing out
3) move the window forward (front of car) and angle up at a 45 deg angle or more (forward side is high)
4) slide the lower corner into the door opening and align the front most wheel on the regulator into the window channel. I recall that my window was almost vertical at this point.
5) slide the window towards the rear and lower the front into the slot as you go. As the back of the channel approaches the rear most wheel on the regulator, align it into the slot. Then continue to wiggle and push the window back into place.

If you can't get the rear regulator wheel into the slot, you might need to lower the window a bit more to provide some room.

I think my memory is good, I just did this 2 weeks ago.

[zippy_gg]

I was doing steps 1 and 2 just like you.
I will try the way you did it and report back tomorrow.
Thanks a bunch!

[john walker's workshop]

I just move the regulator/motor assembly forward and back until both wheels are in the track, then bolt the regulator in.

[mhackney]

I'm sure that would work. I just needed to replace the window rail as it was completely rusted out. I didn't want to touch the regulator/motor assembly because I wasn't sure how difficult it would be to install and adjust. Probably not too difficult though now that I've done it. But I had just enough room to pop that wheel into the channel. I did have a friend hold the window from above while I worked through the door, maybe that's the trick.

I replaced all the seals and felt strips while I was at it and it all went smoothly.

[zippy_gg]

It is in!
I tried your method mhackney but it was difficult being just one person.
I used John Walker's method and I was done re-installing everything except for the seals in about an hour (I know, I work slowly ).
Thank you both for the input!

[mhackney]

Great!