What is the flat rate hours for changing front

Zero if it's under Ford's warranty period.
=====
Front strut cost about $96+ each
Rear strut cost about $87+ each
The compression tool can be loan for FREE.
====== $400+ for the parts with taxes. ======
Labor for most shop is $75-$90 per hour (depending on location)
This is a 3-4 hours job.
A SHOP WILL RECOMMEND YOU TO DO A 4 WHEEL Alignment. $65 to $85
A good service writer will recommend new tires after a tire wear pattern inspection.
(YES,I'm a service writer)
An good shop will also inspect the tie rods and bushing free of charge.
======
Use your best judgement and review your budget before starting the job.

here's a site that might help..
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/273028-rear-wiper-not-working-97-explorer.html
hope so

Hello. Welcome to FixYa.
Front struts: 1 hour per side times your areas labour rate
Rear struts: 1 1/2 hours per side times your areas labour rate.
Add a 4 wheel alignment price after the struts are changed
Thanks for choosing FixYa.

The Mitchell OnDemand program suggests 45 minutes but in our shop we charge 1 hour minimum for this job.

My 1997 Ford Explorer AWD has shocks in the front.

Also, if yours has shocks, be certain you get replacement shocks for AWD/4WD and not 2WD versions. They are not the same; the 2WD shocks have a longer body/shorter rod that will rub on the drive shaft--at least until they are sufficient bent/dented to clear the shaft (at which time they may not be working so well any longer, having leaked...) ;-)

MOST LIKELY THE FRONT AND REAR SWAY BAR RUBBER BUSHINGS ARE THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM, ALSO THE FRONT LOWER STRUTS CAN BE NOISY AS WELL.

you could have a vacume leak or could be catalatic convertor or could be an injector problem possibbly need a little more info but i hope this helps a little

The struts will cost about $160 and it is a 3 hour job shop rate. So your lookin at around 400-500. Thanks

WARNING: Unbolting a strut without using a compressor can injure or kill you. Be careful and use the correct tools.

shop rate labour is 2 hours and the struts are about a $100 each.