Just joined this forum (long time reader, though) and have previously "scoured" the internet for the answer to this very question to no avail (until now).
I've had a '95 S-10 2WD, a '96 S-10 LS 2WD, and now have a '97 S-10 Blazer 4WD.
I live in Alaska where, for the most part, if you need A/C you just roll down the window a bit
.
I hate the thought of the horsepower that the (for me) useless A/C pump is robbing from my engine and the subsequent decrease in gas mileage. Granted, it may only be a bit of an improvement, but it will be an improvement none the less.
Now that Winter is here, it's time to ditch the A/C pump permanently (at least until I sell the truck someday in the future).
Thanks for the info guys!