I found the ball bearings source after I finished everything - my jack's bearing. It was a PerformanceTool special from RockAuto lol.

These are quick struts from Xi Jinping, specifically resold by Detroit Axle and verified with their support that they fit AWD P2 models. So that was a lie and now they're past return period lol. I took off the quickstruts and a set of BC coilovers is in mail right now. I'm really leaning towards the...

Pulled the struts as someone suggested it might be top hat bearing and it seems to be slightly bent after installation but I'm still not too certain.

Far shot but I'm going a bit insane here. Re-doing everything front suspension (struts, c arms, ball joints, axles, tie rods) on my '02 xc70 and I keep finding these ball bearings on the floor. I haven't heard any noises, CV boots are intact and I don't see anything loose.