My A/C compressor is making a horrible grinding noise every time the clutch attempts to grab. I don't have the time or money to deal with it right now. Does anyone see a problem with replacing the current serpentine belt with the shorter one for a non-A/C-equipped 2.5L so that the A/C pulley is no longer being turned and I don't have to hear that blasted noise? Thanks for your help.

No A/c is fine. You will feel a little hot during the summer and the defrost will take a little longer to dry out the moisture during the winter. You can get the non-A/C serpentine belt from a Ford dealer or Autozone (or Advance). Installation instructions should be on the passenger side strut tower.

Click on Autozone Buy it here Belts

yeah, no a/c gets a little hot but i havnt had a/c in my tour since i bought it!

Sounds great. Thanks for the advice/thoughts gents! Mini-project this weekend for me, then.

You might be able to fix it at no cost, and not have to be without A/C. Try this CEG topic A/C