Well I've got a 36mm wrench and a fan clutch holding tool. Couldn't actually get a 36mm fan clutch tool, so I'm hoping I can get the wrench in there. It will defiantly be easier without the fan in the way.
Got the old pulley out, was definitely shot. Always pleased when it's the cheap part that is dead.
Sure hope I can get it done tomorrow in the balmy -7ēc before Friday's -21 to -28. That sounds like not fun to me.

 

The holding tool is the most important item in your belt off state. I just use a combo or large adj and a dead blow hammer when the belt's still installed. Good luck.
......

 

The belt fits around the fan easily.
There is no reason to remove the fan to put a belt on.

 

I've never had to remove the fan to change the belt. My truck doesn't have any of the shrouds though.

 

Mine has the shrouds, and I have had the belt off and on.
Give me 5 minutes and I can replace the tensioner and the belt.

 

I can do it in 4 minutes and 30 seconds with removing the shroud, fan, and AC cover.

 

Awesome!
Can you come by later?
I need to finishing taking my engine out.
I'll bet you a case of beer you can't do it faster than me!
....you can go first, lol.

 

This comment reminds me of myself...

I tell my friends that I have not met a vehicle that I could not drift and if I can't drift their vehicle I will buy them a coffee.

 

Ha!
Me too!
We've been "drifting" since it was called a powerslide.
In the Pre-Fast n Furious era.

The only thing I dislike about my Disco is that it doesn't like to spin or slide...without a slippery surface

 

Removed it. Well worth while. Mostly because the the idler pulley is way to hard to deal with through the fan. 36mm wrench and fan clutch tool worked very well.
And I'm sure if you've done it a few times and it's not below freezing the belt would be okay with the fan on, but I'm glad it was out of the way.
All seems well now. A satisfying job. Glad I did it instead of going to a mechanic.