Question
Got great free spool if the reel is in normal position
Got great free spool if reel is tilted with handle up to sky (handle on right side)
Got horrible free spool if reel is tilted so handle is toward the ground
Does this mean it needs a shim somewhere? If yes...where?
this is very common. you will find a fair amount of play in the spool shaft when the spool is out of reel. with just the spool bearings and spool shaft in place, there can be up to a millimeter of play. add a shim washer under the right spool bearing to take out the play and you will no longer lose freespool when you tilt the reel.
or, don't worry about it. i've found that it is typically not that big of a deal. if you can tell me the outside diameter of the right spool bearing, i can see what i have for shim washers.