OK I NOTICED A WEEK OR SO AGO THAT MY HUBS WERE GETING HARD TO TURN FROM FREE TO LOCK, SO TODAY I GET THE BRIGHT IDEA TO REMOVE THEM AND CLEAN EM. AS I DISASSEMBLE THE DRIVER SIDE HUB I HEAR THE SMALL INVISABLE BALL HIT THE FLOOR NOWHERE TO BE FOUND! WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS LITTLE BALL?
If you look in the black "ring" part where the hub dial lives, you'll see a pair of detents where the ball goes, it keeps the dial in position.
That ball is not available separately from Toyota, you're gonna need to find a small BB or ball bearing to replace it with. Or maybe find someone with a busted hub that you can scavenge from.
Originally posted by the truck doctor
OK I NOTICED A WEEK OR SO AGO THAT MY HUBS WERE GETING HARD TO TURN FROM FREE TO LOCK, SO TODAY I GET THE BRIGHT IDEA TO REMOVE THEM AND CLEAN EM. AS I DISASSEMBLE THE DRIVER SIDE HUB I HEAR THE SMALL INVISABLE BALL HIT THE FLOOR NOWHERE TO BE FOUND! WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS LITTLE BALL?
First of all, I highly recommend that when you type, make sure the Caps Lock in not lock up. Second, it is Not an Asian Manuel Hubs, it is an Aisin Manual Hubs.
Any steel ball that's close in size will work (as long as it fits in the hole that the spring goes in, and isn't too small) , in fact the hub would probably be fine without it.... Here's another helpful thread:
No, the hub won't stay locked. It will gradually work it's way back to FREE, and it can damage the sliding cog inside or Birfield splines if it's close to unlocking and you put a lot of torque on it.
No, the hub won't stay locked. It will gradually work it's way back to FREE, and it can damage the sliding cog inside or Birfield splines if it's close to unlocking and you put a lot of torque on it.
NOWHERE TO BE FOUND! WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS LITTLE BALL? 
(Maybe... wait... carry the 1... Hmm... I don't know)