Anyone ever replace all of the power window hardware inside the door panel before?

I have a 97. Went to the junk yard and pretty much destroyed a door trying to get all of the slider and gear hardware inside the door panel because the gap for the window is too narrow to get the hardware out.

I have a striped gear so the window wont go up all the way anymore so I need to get this fixed before spring comes along and the rain comes

Im guessing wooden wedges might do the trick?

Any other ideas or am I on the right track here? I dont want to bend/break anything

 

c'mon guys, throw me a bone here

 

I have always pulled the hardware out through the holes in the door frame, not the window slot...don't remember having any issues.

 

youd prolly have to remove the guide/track (closer to the rear of the car) before you can unbolt the glass from the scissor mechanism.
ive done this a few times to my 4th gen but it should be similar to 5th gens

 

spoonertuner.com download the helms

 

The holes from what I remember were too short and narrow to get it all out at once but I'll have to check again.

I wish that damn gear wasnt welded to the rest of the stuff as all I need is that one gear

EDIT: Just checked the service manual again and it has no instructions on how to get the whole regulator out of the door. From the pic it doesnt look like it would come out. I'll have to take a look at my panel before hitting the junk yeard again.