Yes you do have to remove the window, power regulator and unbolt the lower vent window frame bolt to remove the door strap assembly. And even with all this removed to twist and turn the assembly around the door reinforcement channels will be a very frustrating experience. And yes the dimensional accuracy of the replacement straps is very poor. I got mine from Centerline. I ended up reworking the replacement straps by reducing the locking humps to make them function properly. I also question the original design since the pinch rollers are not spring loaded. All in all a very frustrating experience since I had to install and remove the assembly several times before I liked the performance of the straps. Good luck