SOMETIMES, a window motor that is giving up the ghost can be persuaded to move one last time with a few well placed love taps with a mallet, while holding the switch in the UP position(key on, of course). Assuming you already have the door panel off, tap(or beat, whichever you prefer) around the inner door panel right at the motor location with the window switch pressed. I've managed to get a few of them working just by slamming the door firmly while holding the switch on. Worth a shot.

Tried all that and then some. There has got to be a way to raise that window halfway up.

Got it done and new motor works fine. Had to remove the three long bolts on the electric connector-side.  That releases the motor housing assembly and get you up close and personal with the motor itself.  Turn the motor by hand to bring window up or down to align the infamous two holes, then put bolt and nut into those aligned holes. Remove the three mount bolts and replace motor assembly.  Took all of 30 minutes, maybe less.