last year my mechanic said the AC had a leak & I decided not to repair it(cost). Can I take out AC lines (which are in the way) , compressor ( if they make a serpentine belt to fit) , and electrical connections to AC sensors & parts? Is the Ac system a separate entity?

You would need an AC Bypass pulley, but the rest of the system could come out if you didnt want it in there? what was wrong with your system?

had to look it up as i didn't remember - note says compressor seal leaking badly - $350 or so as an estimate - just didn't think it worthwhile as we don't drive it that much.

I don't think they make a bypass pulley for these vehicles. Why not just leave it the way it is? The compressor won't hurt anything by being there.

probably will leave the compressor - just wanted to get tubing out of the way.

http://www.1aauto.com/1A/ACBypassPulley/Chevy/Venture

Google found this with "chevy venture ac delete pulley"

Why spend $50 if the clutch bearings are OK? If the clutch bearings went bad then that would be the time to spend the money. You can just remove the lines you don't want there and leave the compressor.

The bearings could go tho...