Hey Guys

After reading many posts about smog pump removal and eliminator pulleys vs. shorter belts and not gleaning anything consistent, off I go to find out for myself. Removed pump and all attachments except crossover tube (plugged two hoses I could get at) will attempt that later (looks like a PITA). No issues at all. Freed up a lot of room in engine bay. I can now see and access spark plugs and exhaust manifold. Eliminated about 20 pounds of junk. When I bought truck it had no cats on it so all this stuff served no purpose. No inspections in this state by the way. I was going to go with eliminator pulley ($80) but so many said not needed, use shorter belt, sounds good to me. My truck is 1995 ford xlt,sc,sb,4x4,e40d,ps,pb,ac, 351w (stone stock) with 204,300 miles. I decided to try the shorter belt route using new routing I found on this site that bypasses smog pump and upper idler pulley. The following are the belts that worked:

NAPA AUTO PARTS

cheapest belt: #6k966 97.17" $21.99 (listed at 32.24)
best belt: #25-060966 97 1/8" (better fit) $32.41 (listed at $64.82) NAPA Micro-v AT

Hope this helps someone. Saved $80 on eliminator bracket doing this. You will need to remove smog pump pulley (3 bolts) in order to get enough slack to get under tensioner pulley (it pushes against it). I left pump attached until comfortable with belt and setup so that I would have transportation and could easily put pulley and stock belt back on if needed. Good luck.

 

Just keep in mind that the water pump has to travel the same direction as was stock. If that's going to be an issue, then a water pump from an earlier year motor with just the Alt. and maybe A.C. where the pump turns opposite from yours now, is the answer. i did that. Stripped the junk off and had to get a pump from as early 80's 4.9. It all works great, and more unbridled power.