Hey TD, there is a lot of talk about electric fans. The main cooling fan is (was?) the viscose mechanical fan on the water pump. Unless you have changed something, that is how the 3.0DDi are built, so the electric fan does not matter.
Here are the steps to remove the thermostat from the Gregorys repair manual:--
To remove thermostat you need to 1) drain the system, 2) disconnect the lower radiator hose, 3) remove air intake hose, 4) remove rear shroud, then front shroud. Now you can get to the thermostat housing.
Manual also recommends removing the underneath stone guard as part of step one, and have the vehicle jacked up for easier access. Jack stands please!!!
I don't know anything about wheel removal, but it sounds OK instead of jacking up.
Sorry I am nowhere near you.
Reply With Quote