Question about stock pullies

[5LiterFever]

I have stock pullies and one of them is making some noise. It appears to just be an idler pulley, it's right next to the power steering pulley. The bearing in it is going bad causing it to make noise, and it needs to be replaced soon. My questions are:

1. what is this pully/what does it do?
2. will it hurt to remove it and run a shorter belt?
3. if i get some U/D pullies will they come with this pulley as well?

I really don't feel like replacing it, I'd hate to have to drop hard earned money on something useless. but if it's inculuded with some U/D's i may just go ahead and order a set.

 

[baglock1]

1) It's an idler pulley. It basically routes the belt a bit lower so that you don't stick your fingers in there and get them pulled into the PS pulley. It also prevents contact between the belt and upper radiator hose.

2) I ran about a week with it bypassed and didn't have any problems but that's not to say that in 2 weeks it wouldn't have cut the radiator hose in half.

3) Nope.

 

[stack]

If you are talking about that plastic idler pulley the noise is common. The pulley needs to be replaced and it does not come in an under drive pulley kit. You can buy an alum one or get a stock replacement for around $17 at napa. I am sure someone will chime in with the part number. Don't go to Ford as they don't dell just the pulley but will want to sell you the whole assembly for over $300.

stack