2005 6.0 fan shroud removal how to?

[Burnt Orange]

I've searched till I'm blue in the face for instructions on how to get that GOT DANG inner fan shroud off. I've taken it loose but can't get the fan loose to take it all out.

I have to replace the A/C compressor and accumulator but the fan and the shroud has to come off first. Someone said to take an air chisel and hit the corner of the hex nut that holds the fan assembly to the water pump shaft. Once it is cracked loose it can be taken off but I can't get it to come loose that way. I saw a mark on it where someone had done that before.

So, I need to know a few things.
1. Is that round fan surround shroud really necessary that slides into the square shroud attached to the radiator?

2. There is a line and plug going to the front of the fan that will have to be saved so if I cut that shroud out and toss it providing it will cause no cooling problems, I'll have to make a small bracket to hold that in suspension in its original location since the fan shroud section that it attaches to won't be there anymore.

3. I also thought of cutting just the inner shroud with the fins on it into sections that could be put back in, in pieces and bolted together. I don't see how to get it out without tearing it up.

Anyone have any experience with this? I'd like to hear from those who do rather than folks just guessing at it, I can guess myself. I'm an aircraft mechanic and am used to tight places but this beats all I ever saw or stepped in. I can't get tools in there at least not the ones I have or have made.

When I get to doing this compressor change, I'll take photo's of the process and post that since I can't find where anyone has posted it before.

[rickaugust]

I'm working on the same thing myself. I'm at a stand still because I can't get the fan or shroud off. I keep checking on here. I hope someone can help. If you find out how to do it before me can you email me please. the email is: forkliftrepair@gmail.com

[auto10x]

Left hand thread??
auto10x
Bill

[Robsr]

Don't beat on the fan nut!!!!!! go to napa and buy the proper tool. Fan nut, clockwise=tighten, counter= loosen, lol. there are four bolts that hold inner shroud on. I'm assuming you've already got the radiator half of the shroud off?. the inner shroud and fan assy. come off together, carefull to not hit the radiator with fan while removing. the bolts in the compressor suck to get in and out, easier to pull motor mount bolts and raise the engine.

[ClarkSJ]

There was a recent post with a link that might help you, I think the poster cut the shroud to clear the fan bolt:

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