1997 Ford Explorer replacing water pump

There are no special instructions listed for removing the blade?

WATER PUMP
Removal (Bronco, Explorer, Mountaineer & Pickup)
Drain cooling system. Remove accessory drive belt. Remove upper radiator hose. Remove fan blade, fan clutch and fan shroud. Disconnect lower radiator hose, heater hose and water by-pass tube from water pump. Remove A/C and power steering bracket bolts and position aside. Remove water pump retaining bolts. Remove water pump and gasket.

The fan clutch is threaded onto the water pump shaft. This is a LEFT-HANDED thread. Ford has special tools for removing the fan from the pump, but you can remove it another way. It is much easier with a helper.

Use a large wrench - an adjustable will usually work if it is not too thick. Fit the wrench to the large hex on the rear of the fan clutch. Have a helper wedge a long screwdriver between two of the bolts holding the pulley to the water pump. Tap the end of the wrench in a clockwise direction with a medium sized hammer. After a few tries, it should break loose, and then can be turned off by hand along with the fan.

Alternatively, you can do this with the belt installed to keep the pulley still, but some of the time, the belt just slips, and makes it difficult to break loose.

Hope this isn't too late, and is of some help.