About a month ago the right low beam would work sometimes

The low beams on the 97/98 (and maybe other) explorers have individual fuses for right and left lights. The fault could be in the headlight connectors, the wiring back to the fuse box, the connections at the fuse box and /or the fuses themselves.

Older explorers had lamps out module (LOM). The power for both low beams goes from the fuse box thru the LOM to each individual low beam. The LOMs were prone to cracked solder joints. They can be resoldered at a considerable savings over replacement.

Trace the power (or lack of) back from the headlight connectors to the multi function switch and you will find the issue.

Good hunting and let us know. :)