4x4 Switch Breakdown

I think i posted this once before, because i feel like this has happened to me once before, but I can't find it. Anyway, the other night we had a bit of accumulation on the ground. So I decided I should test my 4wd to make sure it still engages freely. Well, it did....but the switch wouldn't switch out of 4wd. I went to take the switch out, and I heard the back housing pop off. It was dark, so I hope this is all that came out and there isnt something else rattling around in my dash. I know where the big spring goes, where does this little one go?

 

pretty sure its just the larger spring in the switch. The only thing I feel like the small spring could possibly reside in is the white plastic selector that goes around the larger spring. It may be for the selector detent but it's unlikely.

 

Maybe check the DIY 4x4 switch illumination threads for pics?

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/diy-gen-2-illuminated-4wd-switch.3681/

 

I'm hoping something didnt pop out of that white selector, i see the hole where this spring fits perfectly, but shouldnt there be another part to that detent that rides up and down on that spring?

I haven't gone through all of the pages yet, but I've been looking in there. It seems this smaller spring most likely goes in the side of that secondary plastic piece inside the switch.

 

Oh no wait, i havent gone through that one yet. I'll check in there next.

 

Shit...it was in there. Looks like the truck's dashboard ate the ball bearing that goes on that spring...

 

Maybe get lucky and find it on the floor of the trans tunnel under the cup holder? Cant imagine theres a ton of places for it to get caught up in the dash itself, but idk

 

No dice so far. I wonder if i can match one up that is the same size from the hardware store or something.

 

success! fixed with a 16 cent ball bearing from the local hardware store. I'm sure i'll find the other one someday, but i need the switch to work in the meantime lol.