Ford Repair: 95 ford taurus gl, ford taurus, autozone

Question
a year ago, the a/c went out, & I was told it was a total loss (compressor, drier, etc.)...couldn't afford new a/c, & eventually the bearings locked up & tore up drive belt, so I bypassed a/c with a shorter drive belt...the shorter drive belt has its own problems...the inner rib gets cut & comes off, making what should be a 1" wide belt about 3/4" wide... the guy at AutoZone says either the idler pulley or the tensioner is loose and cutting into the belt, & I may have to replace one or both...I can't find anything in Haynes or Chilton about replacing idler pulley or tensioner or about adjusting tensioner...can you help?
...also, short of spending $1000 on a new a/c, what can I do to get a/c back?...are there rebuilt ones?

Answer
Dwayne-

  Before replacing anythnig check to make sure the belt is aligned properly with all of the pulleys, especially with the engine running.  Also make sure the belt is good and tight on there because if it isn't it can move a little side to side and eventually get thrown.  The idler pulley and tensioner all replace as one unit and it's fairly easy to do (although the space confinement in a Taurus engine bay may make it a bit more difficult than usual).  As for the A/C, you can usually find reconditioned units out there, but don't expect them to be a whole lot cheaper than new pieces.  Hope this helps.

Steve