Originally Posted by
speedy25
Maybe my RD on my regular beater didnt get "normal" use. Cables are great with no friction but every so often it wont shift in the last two higher gears. I have cleaned all the components too, to make sure its not just dirt causing the trouble. My next step is putting on another derailleur when it annoys me enough to change the old one out.
-SP
The only thing the RD spring affects is the chain tension in the lower loop, so it wouldn't be responsible for your shifting issues. Since the issues are only on the smaller sprockets when the RD is farther away, I'd look for issues causing flex.
If your chain is somewhat worn it would have become more flexible sideways. This means it'll take more overshift to get it to move over when the jockey pulley isn't close. Likewise, a worn jockey wheel exerts less precise control over the chain.
I's start by removing the Jockey wheel, checking it for wear, then cleaning and oiling it before putting it back and see if that makes a difference. Also check your chain for wear. If it's borderline for replacement, you might try a new chain. Save the old one, you can always rotate it back into service when the new one wears to the same extent, then rotate the two as they wear.