Eric,

I did not remember that must difference in price, but I guess that's why I bought it without fans.

What I did to get my fans off, was took a body washer and cut a slot from the outer diameter to the center hole. I slipped that over the shaft and used a three arm gear puller to CAREFULLY pull the plastic fans off the shaft. It took LOTS of extra time to do this, not only to pull the fans but also to get them in the right position so as not to drag on the housing.

For that kind of price difference it's obvious why I bothered. I was cleaning out my old shop not too long ago and threw away the modified body washer or I would send it to your. You could make one with a vise, and a hacksaw.

Good luck with it and Merry Christmas,