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.

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.

Locate sensor on front right side of motor on head unplug sensor. take out sensor with deep wel socket

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.