My sharp eyed wife found the lost bearing!
Clever girl swept the area debris in a pile and used a magnet.
Actually, shouldn't have bothered to try to fix it. But it's an old USA made Craftsman with a bit of an emotional attachment.
So, once more into the breech. Here's what I'm trying to do...this guy is cheating. Video is of a 1/2" drive ratchet. Easy-peasy, lots of clearance. 1/4" drive? Keeping the ball in place when inserting the pawl is a SOB! Going to try to make an assembly tool out of a paper clip. Also I have a wristwatch spring bar removal tool..that might work.
To cut out his BS, go to around 5:30 of the video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCbblXKZFQs&ab_channel=TheScottyDoList