updates:

first bloomingcyclist: I had tried shifting at the derailer itself. I shift the bike into 8tj fpr example... then either shift with the cable on the chain stay... or physically move the deraileur itself. It still did not shift properly. The deraileur was a brand new DA and the spring tension was very strong... and there did not seem to be any friction. I had also tried other deraileurs... with no change in performance.

I have since put on the new 11-34 Giang cass. from Santana. I did of course have to put the XTR rear deraileur back on. This works great. I was concerned that both cass. being made by Giang might have the same problem.

I have yet to hear from IRD yet. [they don't answer the phone... and they say an email answer may take 5 days. ]

We have seperate spacer kits at the shop, I may try chaning those out, to see if that helps.

glenn