I've been planning on using power windows on Dad's truck in spite of it having come with manual windows. Lots of reasons, including that I find it very difficult to roll the passenger window down to talk to the neighbor when I pull out of the drive since it is a manual tranny and there's no way to keep the clutch depressed and there's a reasonable chance of pushing on the gear shift when leaning that far. And the "new" door panels I have are the e-window versions with a big square hole where the crank would go, although the Lariat wooden panel with manual cranks would cover that - if I can find them. Plus, I have the electric mechanisms.

But, today I talked with the guy that bought the '82 Explorer from me a couple of years ago. I asked what problems he's had and the biggest problems seem to have been a leaking P/S pump and the electric windows. I'm already considering/planning swapping the P/S pump to a Saginaw unit, but his input was impetus for that swap. However, what he said about the windows made me stop and think about changing to electric windows on Dad's truck since I'm trying to make it bullet-proof for my offspring.

So, I'm looking for two things:

1. I'd like to hear from those of you with electric windows about how reliable or trouble-prone they've been. And maybe you should include what went wrong if you had problems so I could consider fixing/replacing that as I install the windows.
2. Your thoughts on which way I should go.

Thanks in advance!

 

Never had an issue with the windows, Granted it was always garaged, But you will find it a great asset to have them. Now that I have this "new" 84 Flareside with manual windows, I have pulled out of my "private stash" a set of doors with power windows and locks.
The doors were "put away years ago just for this situation. I knew I'd get another "bull nose" and it WILL have PW and PL.
It is a must have.
PS still working on a Speaker hole dash fix .....

 

When the window motors get old, the shaft seal between the gear housing and motor tend to leak and let the grease get down to the brushes. Easy to clean and lasts a few years before you have to do it again. Other than that it's the little black bumpers in the gear kit, but those are a help aisle item now, still easy. Other than that they are rock solid. There is a reason why people still use that design motor in actuators and small lift applications.

 

Thanks, guys. That's what I wanted to hear.

Matt - I've cleaned all the grease out, re-lubed, and replaced the bumpers before so I'm familiar with that. But can the shaft seals be replaced?

 

Not sure. Never tried. I'm sure something could be done. Maybe an o-ring?

 

I converted to power windows and locks about 4 years ago. I have a mixture of parts, the doors and window motors are from about a '95, the door panels, switches and wiring are from a '87, but it all works great, no problems at all, although I only drive it in the summer.

 

Have them on my 86.. Just replaced the "torque bushings" once, since 1995. FWIW car motors will also work. Sure do like having the power.

 

Thanks, 86 and GLR. I want the power as well so plan to do it - especially after the reports I've gotten in this thread.

 

I try not to roll windows up and down when im driving over bumpy terrain, or if the windows are frozen, etc. This and if you dont keep adjusting up and down 1 inch every few minutes (I'm guilty of this) all year round should mean they last a long time. Have you ever pinched your fingers with it? They seem way overpowered (unrelated vehicle)

BTW, power window kits aren't that much money. $160 in my catalogue, others may be more or less.