window regulator issues

I am surprised that there aren't others on here with regulator issues (other than one post that I saw back in 2006). I have a 2004 Ford F-150 which I use mainly for commuting to and from work. I live in Alabama so the summers get incredibly hot (something that I am NOT used to being from Montana!). Last year, I was driving to work and without touching anything, my window just fell down into the door. I had to take a day off of work because I could not lock my vehicle and I didn't feel right leaving it alone. When I brought it to the dealership, they told me that I needed an entire new assembly costing me $243! Then, just the other day, my family and I were taking a trip out to see the ocean and the passenger window fell down! I already know how much they are going to try to charge me at the dealership so I am seeing if I can replace it myself.

Has anyone else had this problem with the window regulators? I have seen similar problems on other forums like Edmunds and Carcomplaints, but not here. PLEASE, offer me some assistance!

Seems to me there is a track mounted to the bottom of the window. There is an actuator arm that raises & lowers depending on which way the regulator tells the motor to turn. There is a post on the end that a nylon grommet slides onto, held in place by a retainer clip. The grommet slides back & forth in the window track. When the grommet wares out, it pulls out of the track & the window drops. There is an inspection port at the bottom of the door for the repair once you remove the door skin. Pick up a new grommet at Ford (@$2.) I rate this a 1 beer project (<45 mins.) Did the regulator come w/ Vaseline the last time, or was that extra?........ We've all been there!:banghead: By the way, you guys in Alabama still pissed of at Neil Young? (I might be dating myself.If the question makes sense, your pushing 50.)