The vacuum ball is a tiny vacuum reservoir that allows maybe one more movement of some of the vacuum-switching functions within the heating and A/C system after engine shut-down, providing the system is vacuum-tight.
It is only located where it is on account of that being the most cost-efficient place for Ford to put it.
It can be easily/cheaply relocated anywhere on the truck you desire, by using more hose and re-mounting it.
I would retain it in the system.
Better yet, relocate it somewhere less in the way of things and buy a few more of them at the junk-yard, TEEing them all in-line for more vacuum reserve.
