[hat_man]

I am looking at changing the serpentine belt on my Ranger and not using the A/C compressor. This is an easy change as the belt routing allows for this. My question is should I disconnect the wiring to the compressor. If I don't will it damage the compressor if I turn the cooling selector past the A/C setting momentarily? Also, doesn't the compressor run when you use the defroster? I know that trucks without A/C have defrosters but it seems like I can hear mine engage when I defrost my windshield. Is there really a significant drag on the engine from the belt going around the compressor and not being used?

Thanks