i may be wrong or it may be a different setup on your newer bronco but,have you checked the cable that attaches to the knobs behind the glove box to make sure it is adjusted correcty before it was clipped in to the retainer?
i had this happen after i replaced my heater core. didnt clip it in correctly and had no ac because the **** wouldnt slide all the way to the left to activate the ac. you have round knobs and i have slider knobs so it may work a little differently. may or may not be the issue but if it is it should be an easy fix. jus a matter of popping the cable out and readjusting and popping it back into the clip.
that may explain the resistance. then again in a newer truck i may be way off base.