You can't really bypass the compressor, as it keeps the seperntine belt in tension. You could make some kind of idler to replace it with, but that's a bunch of hassle.
Also, which engine is it for, as the part numbers for the 4.0, the 5.2 and the 2.5D are all different. You'll not get a diesel unit from the States.
If it's a petrol you have, buying frm the States be much cheaper, but you'll have to wait for the parts, and it sound's like it's getting urgent.
Can they be reconditioned I wonder?