Dodge Repair: 04 durango 3.7: a/c compressor belt

Question
Yes sir my a/c compressor went out and instead of replacing it right now I've been told I can bypass it with a shorter belt. Can i? If so what size belt?

Answer
Hi Jeremy,
Yes, no problem with not using it. If it is only making noise when it is activated you could eliminate that problem by simply disconnecting the electrical plug at the clutch of the compressor and that will prevent it from being connected to the pulley; doing that as an alternative to changing the belt.
If you want to by-pass the compressor pulley:
You could use a cloth tape measure to circle around the pulleys that are remaining to be driven and then bring the old belt and your measurement with the tape to a auto parts store to select a belt of the same diameter which measures the same as you got with tape measure. A dealer parts counter might also know what such a belt size would be for a 3.7 without a compressor.
Roland