the clicker on my forks don't work.i gather there's some sort of ball bearing set up? can this be rebuilt? im changing my springs soon so figured it'd be a good time to do it while the caps are off.

get new ones from Rick O. His are great, and have more adjustment range than stock.

I would but I don't have 80 pounds spare

Clicker is a steel ball held under spring tension. Spring breaks, no tension, no clicking. Disassemble cap carefully so as not to lose ball & spring, should be able to repair.