I forgot how strong those regulator springs are. When I removed the window and the power motor, the regulator became fully extended. I can't replace the power motor, due to a stop on the gear until I compress the regulator a few inches.

Are there any tools or special methods I should use to accomplish this? I don't want to break the regulator as I can't find a replacement power regulator anywhere!

A stop on the gear? The motor does not have a stop, it will run continuously until it hits bottom, and continuously until it hits top. I don't believe it is possible to go past top unless you've disassembled more than the motor. I pulled the motors off my regulators and repacked the gearboxes, then reassembled. The motors brought the regulators back down with no issues.

I did this out of the car though, not sure if it matters.

not a stop on the motor, the gear that is on the regulator.

I have the regulator on the floor, at the moment, my digital camera is not available, but basically, I can't place the motor back on the regulator as the gear has this "long" tooth at the end that will not mesh up with the gear on the motor. The gears on the regulator, and the gear on the motor do not seem to be able to line up at all until the regulator is slightly compressed (I am guessing about an inch or two).

Maybe I am doing something wrong though? Lol would not be the first time.

Nm, after your question, I took a second look lol.

I gave it some muscle (not too much, but a bit) and the regulator gave and I can adjust it easily by hand, go figure lol. Now my issue is that the motor seems to have a gap... about half an inch between the regulator mounting bolt holes and the motor mounting points... ugh. Glad I still have the receipt for the motor.. but they looked the same, maybe I overlooked something.