With the hub dismantled and the freewheel off, here's some pics...
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1...iyata/axle.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1...ta/spacers.jpg
Here�s some history that might say something: I�d taken the hub/wheel to an LBS and asked for a 7-speed freewheel installed. He kept it overnight to mess with spacing and dish the wheel, and installed a Shimano MegaRange. But I found that there were 2 broken teeth and two cracked, so I took it back, had him remove the freewheel and give me my money back. I�m guessing whatever spacing he put on, stayed on. (after visiting 4 shops for a variety of reasons I'm starting to find that my LBS's stand for Lotsa-Bull-S**t)
Between the cone and locknut on the drive-side:
7mm
4mm
5mm (weird pulley shape)
= 16mm of spacers? I just think that's wrong and is why I'm struggling to get the axle into the drops, and then the derailleur is too far away to reach back to the large cog. Maybe?