Removing Alenco window

I'm helping my son with a 1980 house with OLD Alenco windows that are steaming or have cracked panes. I've searched numerous sites about removing single hung aluminum windows, but none fits the description of these windows. There are no release clips, no screws, no spiral balances, no "nothing" that I can see to allow these sashes to be removed from solid aluminum channels to have new lites put in.

I've attached a few photos that I hope will depict my description, but it appears they are kept from sliding down by friction with a plastic clip at the corners of the sash that rides on a metal rod located in the channels above the lower sash. When the lower sash is completely raised to ~3" metal stops at the top, there are no clips nor any extensions of this rod showing below the sash.

The only alternative I see is to remove the insulated lites with the sashes in place. It appears there is a plastic or aluminum insert on the outside of the glass that probably wedges it in place. The house was recently renovated with a stucco finish which makes removing the whole window cost prohibitive.

I would like to follow up on Paul's response to a similar problem with what looks like the same type of window in my home. I have tried to find something to which to hook a charging tool from the bottom of the window sash channel but can't find anything. I am also concerned that if I am able to remove the balance, how on earth do I get it back in place? The issue I have is that all the weather stripping, both inside and outside the window on which the sash slides, has deteriated. I need to remove the sash in order to replace the weather stripping materials. Paul's answer in 2015 kind of leaves the reader hanging. Since I am a very visual person, are there some photos or diagrams as to how these windows are built which I can reference? I have attached three of my own photos and can send more if it would help.