[Lowcountry]

x2 on the needle nose vice grips. I have several sizes. If you can get the nuts off i presume the studs will still be useable still.

The fan pulley is mounted to a bracket which does nothing but hold the pulley and fan. The water pump is completely internal / driven by the timing gear internally on the VQ40. So if you can't get the fan nuts off - presumably you could remove that entire bracket as well - although I don't know what all is involved or how much other stuff you will need to pull to get to it.

Definitely not trying to be a jerk as lord knows I have my share of problems - but you might want to look into a new box end wrench set - sounds like there might be something up with yours - worn or whatever. It takes a ridiculous amount of force to round a nut with a box end gripping all sides. I have had my fans off several times (2 different rigs) and not had any issues so maybe you have a defective wrench?

 

[Lowcountry]

I've also ordered online and scheduled for free pick up.
Their online pricing is lower than it is for walk up customers.
You paid 3x more than the MSRP for those studs.
They'll burn everyone that let's them.

When you need them, you need them so you get to pay their stupid price. My local dealer asks over list on everything. I have mentioned it specifically to them in the past and their reply was "well that's what we get here".

This is why I never give the dealer a dime of business I don't have to. I don't care who's price they match - if I don't need it immediately I will order it somewhere else.

 

[Lowcountry]

I usually interlock two wrenches if I need leverage. If I need more I have a good selection of pipes