The Sierra gear are the way to go. I have the ESM ones and had the same issues. I used prop shims to get the wheel slop out and removed the gear doors. They do cause a lot of drag and were a problem on mine. I also set mine up with the CG farther forward of what's recommended. The listed weight is totally rediculos as mine came in at just under 18 lbs. using electric as well. I have several of their planes and they all seem to have the same issues. I just deal with them and move on. Not a big deal with me
I did get the Sierra retracts for my LA-7 and it's great! No problems on this plane, but the weight is still not right
Jeff