The ball links are most likely is the main issue, check the sizing on the slider ends. I haven't tried to let the slider fall with gravity, Its possible that it was lubed up and not cleaned , probably sticky. Use denatured alcohol and give it a good bath. Also the bellcrank has bearings in it and on top of the upper bearing it has a small M3 shim , make sure its installed. Loctite is not required on the bellcrank bolt it uses a nylock self locking nut , I've seen people use loctite on it and when it drys it binds up.
Looks like are headed in the right direction of solving the problems don't give up on it , once its right you're not going to be disappointed!
Just cleaned it up with alcohol and re-lubed with some bearing oil, may apply white silicone if that is better.
Bell crank is very smooth, it swings around by itself.
only thing is it feels there is a "SMALL " amount of friction on the tail slider....?
this heli has never been crashed and lightly used.
but Chris Sexton as i quote, " The tail pitch slider on these doesn't require disassembly. Unlike most kits that have a brass bushing screwed into an aluminum hub that needs loctite, the synergy kit is held in with a lock washer like clip.
As for the play, there will be in and out play, that is there by design. When the tail spins up it will be fine. Make sure you don't have side to side play.
"
on HF. so i'm guessing this is normal.
my ball link on the servo honestly was VERY tight, it took effort for me to move it around, and it made a noise because it was so tight. Honestly most likely the issue, but the slider concerns me too