I just had mine replaced. Though it's only a 3 bolt removal, and plug & play operation for the blower itself; you do have to have your AC discharged in order to move the accumulator out of the way. This of course assuming you have AC...
Pop you hood and look at the passenger side fire wall. The access to replace the blower is right there...behind the accumulator.
I got an aftermarket one on ebay, from one one of the better sources for about $70 shipped. It's worked fine thus far, and no more annoying hamster wheel squeek.....
I meant to add, that this info is for later model XJ's...not sure about earlier models before '97s