Scamalama

This is the current state of my 97 XJ. The A/C completely stopped blowing out of the vents because that little plastic piece (which I think is called the defrost door bell crank) broke and messed everything up. Living in Phoenix A/C is a must have option. I realize I could just replace that piece and reassemble everything but the thought of going through this again for some other minor breakage got me thinking.

Is there any reason I can’t eliminate all the vacuum operated door nonsense by disconnecting all the bell cranks and permanently setting the position of the doors to always blow through the upper vents? I figure I can do this by strategically drilling a couple small holes and using safety wire. I never use the other blend modes and the door that regulates hot and cold has been disconnected for a while now. I just move that back and forth by hand depending on the season. I know I wouldn’t have the windshield defrost option anymore but I never use it.

Any reason this won’t work?