Radiator fan shroud - vital or not?

[hedonist]

Just came in after spending all day tinkering with the sj, it ws getting a bit warm so about time to try cleaning out the radiator. In the end we managed to get it off somehow despite a lot of bolts being rusted in place, so here's the question:
Do we really need the plastic shroud that surrounds the fan? Presumably it helps air flow, but how much of a difference would it make if we didn't put it back?
The reason I'm asking is, we couldn't get the plastic protector thing at the bottom off to get better access from underneath. The screws won't budge, just get sheared off and there isn't really a good way to get at it, especially the one on the left. So the usual ways of getting stuck screws out like knocking it with a hammer or drilling it out even are not going to work. Any tips for that?
It was a real pain trying to get everything out with the shroud still in it, it's going to be an even bigger challenge putting it all back... What does everyone think?

Thanks guys

[Jordi]

None of mine have it. Use the Samurai as my daily drive with no major issues.

[Edweird]

I'd say not. It doesn't fit closely enough around the fan for it to matter in my opinon. I think it's more there as a 'Don't stick your fingers in the fan' kind of a thing

[turbo-tom]

Mines never had one not really must. To have one to be honest

[hedonist]

Awesome, we were hoping it would be more of a safety thing rather than an essential part to the cooling functionality Thanks!