I put a new water pump in last night -- went quick and was easy even with the body lift. I didn't replace the Alternator belt or the AC belt. This was an immediate fix job that went well. Still planning on getting new belts, radiator hoses and air intake + flush the radiator with it attached to the cooling system.
BUT that made we wonder if...
few questions now:

*Has anyone run 'em without the AC?
--If i remove the AC unit or at least the belt...is that going to throw off the work load on the other pulley systems? Better or worse??
I'm guessing the less weight up front the better...dunno if it's gonna cause more harm than good!

**Also, anybody have a nice way to pull the alternator back into a strong position to get a real good tension on that alternator belt??

Much thanks

 

You won't hurt anything running without the AC belt. Nothing will be thrown out of whack. You just won't have AC because the compressor isn't being turned.

Use a long screwdriver, short pry bar, or whatever else you have on hand or can scrounge up to pry the alternator enough to get enough tension on its belt. The belt shouldn't be super tight, just snug enough that it doesn't slip. You'll probably hear it squeal if it's loose enough to slip.

 

No a/c belt for the last several years and no problems because of it.

FSM will show how much play to have on the belt and yes you do not want to have it super tight or loose.