You can choose to remove the motor while leaving the motor case attached to the blower assembly.

The blower assembly will not be as stable, as the motor shaft is longer and projects further on the blower assembly than on the fan assembly. So the assembly wobbles on the end of the shaft.

It can save a couple of steps but is likely a bit more difficult as it isn't as stable. Here's a link to the procedure. The motor arrangement is essentially identical.