Dodge Repair: bypass the power steering, dodge ram 1500, power steering pump

Question
I have a 98 dodge ram 1500 5.2L 4x4 with a/c I keep throwing belts because my power steering pump is shot and don't really have the time or money to put into it.  Just wondering if bypassing the pump all together would work and what size belt would work if possible

Answer
Hi Eric,
If you can handle the extra effort then I don't see why not. As to the size, you would want to get a belt with the same x-section but of course shorter. You can measure the span by looping some string around the pulley path and then go to a parts store with the old belt for purposes of x-section equivalence and try to find one that is close to the length of the string.
PS Please 'rate' my answer (see below).
Thanks,
Roland