[AllanC]

Do I really have to go the bypass pulley route? Can I not, now that the whole AC compressor with its pulley is lying in the driveway, put a standard (shorter?) belt back

There is no need for a bypass pulley. V8 engines without an AC compressor used a shorter belt and with different routing. Follow this link to information at OReillyAuto.com. There is a listing for a serpentine belt both with and without air conitioning. The belt for non-AC 5.2V8 engines is about 9 inches shorter and which is what you would expect. You could install this belt according to the diagram under the hood and operate the vehicle without an AC compressor mounted.

http://www.oreillyau...1998&make=Dodge