Dodge Repair: Power Steering Bypass Belt Size

Question
I am having trouble with my power steering pump swap out at the pressure hose nut will not loosen and may round off with further attempt to do so. I cannot place in a shop as I need the vehicle for work and must do something today. I need to bypass my power steering pulley altogether if possible and need to know which size belt I should use and if it will be feasible. My vehicle is a 1994 Dodge Dakota V8 2wd. Thank you very much for your time and knowledge.
-Dan

Answer
Hi Dan,
As for the belt size the best I can suggest is to use a string to loop the crank pulley with the other device that you want to drive, that should give you the approximate length that you need. Then go to a parts store with the old belt in hand and get a replacement that has the same cross-section and of approximately the length you measured with the string. It should be feasible provided that the belt tensioner is still in "the loop". If the power steering pump was adjustable as the means of tensioning the belt, then I think that will be a problem as there would be no way to adjust the tension, unless you get a belt which is just the right length to do the job without having an adjuster. I think the store will let you exchange it if the one you get is not the right length.
Best of luck. If you write back, tell me which size V8 (L) you have.
Please see the PS (below) and respond to it.
Thanks,
Roland