I am in process of bypassing the A/C on my 1998 B1500 with 5.2 engine. I got the belt around all pulleys except the idler pulley, and routed as per what my Dodge shop manual diagram showed, as well as what the decal on the fan shroud showed. But when I rotate the tensioner to get the belt under the idler pulley I'm about 1 inch from getting it there. The belt I bought is Duralast brand, part number 905K7, outside circumference of 91.11 inches. Shows to be right for my van, with no A/C. I found one an inch longer so gonna try that

 

Problem solved, I found a belt 1 inch longer and I have the A/C bypassed till I can afford the cost to get it fixed/recharged

 

What's wrong with the A/C? If the compressor doesn't engage, and the bearings in the clutch are still good, no need to bypass it. (better late than never??)

 

I bypassed because all freon and refrigerant oil was lost while I had all the A/C parts off when I had the heads off it. Since I rarely use it I just decided to bypass it for the time being. I saved the other serpentine belt, in case I ever do decide to get it working again

 

It is simply an idler pulley if the AC is not being used. I would have just left it alone

 

Compressor lost all of it's refrigerant oil, did not want to risk it locking up (Buddy of mine had that happen @ 70 mph on a Ram 1500 )

 

If there is no refrigerant, the compressor shouldn't even engage.

 

The low pressure switch will not let the clutch engage if there is no refrigerant, therefore the compressor wont turn. If you are still concerned you can pull the wire off the clutch as insurance.