If anyone has a fan removal tool I can borrow this weekend for a day that'd be great. Otherwise I'll just use the screwdriver method.

autozone loans out a removal tool. the bolts are in the shape of a rectangle, and it fits in one of the orientations.

the ford tool? I may try that. How good does that one work?

Yah, the "ford" tool. It works just fine to hold the pulley in place, but as I mentioned, it only fits one orientation of the bolts because they're in a rectangle.

you can also make your own.

http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/119957

Ford tool works 90% well. Almost exact fitment.

Add a big 32mm or 1 and 1/4" wrench, rubber mallet, you're set.

After breaking a screwdriver and a long hex, and wasting about 2 hours of my time cursing the damn fan, I wish I got the ford tool sooner.

4.9L Ford Fan remover tool at autozone. Do it.

Just dominate a screwdriver and be done with it. Remember that ish is reverse threaded.

umm pry a flat head in there and use a 32mm wrench and go the opposite way, pop, then spin it off

wack it with a rubber mallet...make sure it's clockwise...to loosen

I got that ford tool not working. I tried a screwdriver too thick to get in between. Such frustration. I'm going to try and make my own tool.

did you use a BFH (big fucking hammer) to give it a wack??

that initial torque from the hit is what will break it loose. dont try hand cranking - it just won't work.

Alright this is what I did:
Went to home depot got a yard stick of metal drilled a half inch hole 1/8th up and 2.5 inches from the beginning of the stick.
Bent it about 5 inches in so it would get a better hold.
GO TO A BICYCLE SHOP and get a proper thin 32 mm wrench. God damn Sears' has a huge wrench its too thick.

Hold em both get a hammer give it a couple of tiny hits while holding it and bam unlocks.