A sliding window assembly for a vehicle includes a track member defining a channel. The track member further defines a gap that extends laterally into the channel having a gap length along the track member. The sliding window assembly further includes a sliding panel having an edge. The sliding window assembly includes a shoe extending from the sliding panel and engages the track member to support the sliding panel on the track member. The shoe has a shoe length that is parallel with the track member. The shoe length is less than the gap length to allow for removal of the sliding panel by aligning and passing the shoe through the gap.