I took a 2018 Cruise Drive transmission apart to repair a 3rd gear problem, and found some sort of spring contraption on the first gear. I'm an old timer, and I've been into many 4 and 5 speeds but this is new to me. What is it for? Does anyone know the process to set it up, or time it somehow?

 

It's a anti-rattle device. It basically gives the gear teeth no clearance or what some call backlash.

Still allows lubrication of course since spring is not that strong.

Eliminated 1st gear rattle on the 6 speed when in netural.