Anybody have some good advice for removing and installing the rear window in a 1988 f150? Sawzall is not an option this time

 

Taking the window out isn't hard at all. Push with all your might at the top center of the window. Even lay on your back with your feet in the same spot at top center and push. It will start to come out. It will easily come out with pushing after that.
Putting in the new window isn't that hard either. Have a buddy help you, make sure the rubber is clean as well as the window frame itself. Put the rubber on the window. Soap it up then use a piece of 1/8" or even 1/4" rope that is at least 12" longer than the circumferunce of the window.
Put the rope in the groove with the ends of the rope at bottom center hanging down, so that you can pull on them. Your buddy out side the cab in the bed.
Put the groove on the flange at the bottom with the rope ends inside the cab. Now pull one rope end to the corner Have your buddy hit the window with his palm to set it. Now pull the other rope end to the other corner. Have your buddy do the same as before.
Now pull the other end up the side to the top corner, your buddy doing what he did before. Then the other side, just like it.
Now pull the other end to top center, with your buddy palming it like before, now the other end to center and your buddy palming it like before. The rope should have pulled all the way out by now, and now the window is in. have your buddy smack it in one more time all the way around to make sure it is set. Also make sure the hard plastic trim piece is in the groove all the way around.
Once that is all taken care ofm you are done and time for a cold one.

 

Thanks for the quick reply, the rear windowis the last thing standing in the way of finishing the paint prep

 

This may go w / out saying, but of course it should be warm where this is being done.

 

remove the trim on the inside makes it easier to instal the new window

 

Does your window moulding have a trim strip on the outside?
If so, you'll need to peel this out before the window will budge.

I have used 'personal lubricant' to install before, others suggest Goop waterless hand cleaner to lubricate the gasket in order to get it in.
IME, a 20' length of braided venetian blind cord makes a good tool to install it.
An extra pair of hands pushing from the inside will definitely save a lot of frustration.