crank case breather tube

Hi all. First real tech thread for me here.
I checked my breather hoses on my 98 4.0se and noticed that there was a ball bearing inside the right hand hose. (the one going to the manifold not the throttle body) does this make sense to anyone? The hose collapses without it. Is this stock? Thanks

That is not stock, sounds like your oil separater may be plugged up, I would suggest your replace both of the hose, clean it out good and you'll be fine.