I have a 2001 F-150 with a 5.4L. The compressor seems to be on its way out. Is it possible to use a shorter belt and bypass the compressor?

I know there's a 5.4L without the compressor but the belt path seems to be quite different and I don't know if the length would be right with that belt.

I've heard you can get an idler to insert in place of the A/C but I'm short on time and don't have ready access to a system to evacuate and recharge.

Any advice would be appreciated.
Thx

 

Unplug the compressor clutch so it won't engage.

 

I've noticed on my 4.6, there is the belt routing diagram on the radiator cover, just as on all cars. There is also a dotted line that shows the belt route without A/C.
So a parts store should have a listing for a belt for a truck that doesn't have A/C.IMO

 

from what it looks like on alldata the idler pulley is in a different spot, see if there is not another tapped hole in the engine that the pulley can be put on and run the shorter belt, or get the pulley to take place of the compressor. unplugging the compressor will not always work...

 

Go to advance auto parts, get an a/c bypass pulley, and keep on truckin'!