Thanks for ALL the replies. I did install the one ball valve this weekend and must say I enjoyed being able to drive around with my vent on without feeling the usaul heat roll thru the duct work. I will have to remember to turn the valve on every once in a while to circulate. We are having an early spring here in Memphis so this mod will work out well. Thanks again for the advice..........Maxx

 

What exactly is "the heater hose mod"? What does it do?

 

Turns off the flow of hot water to the heater core. The heat from the radiator inside the core will mix with the air coming from the air conditioning. By keeping the heat out of the core it will net you 5 to 10 degrees colder air.

 

Maybe that's why even when I use my vents, it always seems to blow warm air?

 

That is exactly right....Thats why I did the valve trick. The vent and whole area around the floor board under the glove box is much cooler...Maxx

 

So which method is more practical? I don't really like having to pop the hood every time I wanna switch it. Is there an automatic solution? Or a switch inside the cab?

 

There are kits out there you can buy which tap into your vacuum lines on the A/c circuit. Me personally I dont need to get that elaborate. When the cool season arrives I will open the valve for the season. Once the warmer season arrives I will cut it off. I dont use my truck for work so I wont have the issue of getting up in the early mornings and having to have heat and then in the afternoons closing it. This is a simple way to achieve what I wanted to do simple as that.....Maxx

 

So which method is more practical? I don't really like having to pop the hood every time I wanna switch it. Is there an automatic solution? Or a switch inside the cab?
Edit-just saw your post. Yeah, I don't use mine for work either. Maybe the valve is the easiest way?

 

Got a pic of where you installed the ball valve? What size? Did you go with a brass valve?

 

No picture, but I splice into the hose just behind the A/C compressor. Yes, I had a good quality brass valve laying around which I used..Be aware when you cut into the hose you are going to get some spillage of coolant, not much but enough to make a mess if your not careful. By no means do this when the engine is hot. I did mine when it was stone cold. Works fine for me. the vent is right pleasant now. Maxx

 

look into the ranger valve i posted earlier in this thread. will cost less than $20 and is totally worth it for the convenience.

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...-pictures.html

 

I'll check it all out. Thanks.

 

Here's my Ranger Valve Mod: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...ml#post9014750

 

Brass Valve and barbs.
I just bought a 3/4" ball valve, two hose barbs for 5/8" hose and two clamps.. I only close it on the long travel runs when it is real hot and the AC struggles. 70/80 degrees i don't need it. Getting into the 90's i will close it and leave it closed for 2 or 3 months. Summer dog days. I think i am going to stay with it and not change anything with something more complicated.. Works good, cheap and a ten minute install.

I installed mine near the firewall, See pic..
I also attached a couple pics that others have posted.