Best V belt routing option

[jperry1290]

What is the best V belt routing option for a ‘72 302 Alt, water pump, crank, ps pump? I have read that you don’t need two belts on the water pump, is this true?
Can I do:
Front belt-ps pump and crank
Rear belt-alt, crank, water pump

 

[Rustytruck]

If you wanted to bypass the water pump on the front belt you will probably need an idler to clear the water pump.

Dual belts are a valuable redundancy if you break a belt. You can still drive without a power steering pump. you can still drive without an alternator. Not for long unless you like doing the battery swap thing with one of your friends. But your almost going no where without the water pump and fan turning.

 

[jperry1290]

Sounds good. Your comment makes sense based on my trying to hook up the belts

 

[Broncobowsher]

Just remember that the waterpump has to work. If the alternator goes out, you can drive until the battery goes dead. It is a pain, but you can also drive without the power steering pump. But no waterpump and it is going to be a really short trip.

I recall I had my last one setup PS + waterpump, alternator by itself. Double groove alternator pulley and if need be I could remove the PS belt and a spare belt be used to run alt + waterpump. This would be the redundant if the PS pump failed.