I don't know if it varies by year, or maybe options (AC vs not, etc.). But my 81 has only one cable, and come to think of it, I swapped in a later control panel and it only had one cable as well. Mine is a factory AC truck.
81 F150 Flareside, Edelbrock Pro Flow4 FI, hydraulic roller 351W, E4OD, 4x4, BW1356
92 F150 RCLB 351W E40D BW1356 mostly stock