I am replacing my timing belt on my 95 4cyl dakota sport. I am about 90% of the way done and i have the belt lose but do i have to remove the AC compressor to completely get the belt off?

and another thing it said to do in the haynes manual before geting the belt of was to take out "the spark plug" and rotate the crankshaft with my finger over the hole until i feel pressure to assure it was in the number one position...What spark plug are they refering too.. the first spark plug? if so, then i would have to remove the ac compressor cause there is no way i can get my finger in their to feel it. I have tried it with the second spark plug removed and i did feel the pressure build up but i am not sure that what they want. any help would be great thanks.

Yes you have to use cyl #1 if you are going to do it that way. It is timed off that cyl. Yes you have to pull the compressor.

Thanks alot.