GE Washer won't spin without an assist

[saltydog73]

I have a GE wjsr2070b2ww that will agitate but won't spin. It wants to spin but it cannot start on its own - I need to "kick-start" it by spinning the basin a few times to get it moving. After I do this, it will spin fine until it stops and tries to start again. I rigged the lid switch so I do not need the lid down for any cycle to work (I know this is unsafe and I will restore the switch when the washer is fixed). I have replaced the clutch and belt. The belt has about a quarter inch of play (similar to a car fan belt). Any ideas as to why it will not spin without my assistance? Thanks

Model wjsr2070b2ww

[JWWebster]

The transmission has a tightly wound spring and check ball system to lock the basket. When these machines first came out GE recalled a bunch of them and offered a rebuild kit.  This manual shows the correct way to remove and replace the defective transmission: GE top load manual