Ever wonder what the purpose of that spacer is? I have a thought:
Tonight I put together a 502/503 gearbox with some new parts. I was a little surprised when I put the sprockets on and everything was pressed on tight to each other, that the sprocket was not far enough on the shaft on either side to clear the slot for the E-Clip on the shaft.
![Question :?:](./images/smilies/icon_question.gif)
Then it dawns on me. Maybe the aluminum spacer is designed with the middle cut out slightly so that when you press it all together, this part of the spacers collapse and then keep everything tight. So I put it in the press and gave it a little gas and sure enough, the spacer compresses right in the recessed area and it goes together as planned.
Any other thoughts?