A/C Unit HELP

[xxRillixx]

My AC unit is going out... i can hear it 'grinding' and when it gets REALLY bad (rare) it'll spark. Im driving my car back to vegas on the 13th (400+ miles). What should i do? I dont have much $$ to replace it... is there a way i can unplug it electrically... will that help? How much will it run to replace? Can i do the install myself?

[xxRillixx]

Do they make a shorter belt to so i dont have to use the AC unit (till i can get it fixed)?

[TruckMuddr]

Does it do it when it is off also, or only when the clutch is engaged??

[xxRillixx]

Does it both when the unit is on, and when its off... i think the bearing has gone bad.