My drive belt shredded on my John deere LT155 riding mower someone told I had to take the steering box off and route the belt through it but there has to be an easier way

Hi,
No they are talking about the L, LA, and 100 series mowers. No such machinations are necessary.
See the link at the bottom for routing pictures; pick yours and right-click and pick Save Picture As... to capture and print.
Peace,
Clarke