Hi, I have a 2000 Ranger XLT 4x4 with the 4.0L engine. The vacuum ball is in the engine compartment up front near the radiator on the passenger side. It has two lines plugged into the ball. One of my lines had flipped close to the exhaust manifold and melted about an inch long half moon shape in to it. I tested it with my finger plugging the hole and all functions returned to the climate controls. I went to AutoZone and spent about $8 on a vacuum hose connector and some shrink tubing. Slid the connector about 3 inches into the 6 inch tubing then over the damaged section which I had pulled from the ball and removed the end connector. Used a propane lighter to shrink the shrink tubing and hooked back up Everything works great. $8! Sweet. Thanks to the Forum for giving me a clue where to start!