Today I pulled the Alt Air Control cable out the required 6" and yes, the ball bearing fell out as predicted. I measured and cut the cable the required length then spent about 10 minutes reinstalling it. Done - not as bad as I thought it would be. Moving on to the right side cabin heat control, my buddy Dean squeezed himself inside the floor area and we got the cable secured and fastened in. Finding the right tools to make this job easy was half the battle. Also, replacing the metal lock nut with a fiber locknut was necessary due to the accessibility of getting your body in a position to apply torque. Another command decision made. If it it's that hot in the cockpit that a metal locknut is necessary - well, I'm landing ASAP and getting out of there.