I have a TLD 50 2 speed the handle was hard to turn so I pulled it apart. I found the right side plate bearing was a hunk of rust but everything else cleaned up nicely. I replaced the bad bearing, buttoned everything up and now the handle is a little hard to turn in freespool and really hard to turn when you add drag. Any ideas?
sound's like another bearing.
Good chance the left side spool bearing is shot too. Take it out and see if it spins well. It may be OK until you put pressure on it. If there is any gritty feeling at all, it need to be replace.
your description is classic for right main side plate bearing that has gone bad. are you certain that you replaced it with a good bearing? the bearing has to be perfectly smooth!