Below shows two different sets of shift levers that are used on the f35 MU3 transmissions. The darker/dirtiest set was on a brand new warrantied transmission from 2012ish. I'm trying to figure out if it was a running change or if they have different applications. I can't find different part# for each set so I'm assuming it was a running change. Fwiw, the darker set feels and works the best on my car.

 

I haven't taken a look at mine, but just looking at those two. You might be able to adjust the throw of your shifter with the two shorter ones, sacrificing ease of engagement.

 

I haven't mixed the sets up like that yet but is a good idea to try. Not sure if I will though. The other set made gear changes very notchy and NLS to 3rd was much more difficult. Biggest issue I think is the smaller arm(which works with left to right shifter movement) with shorter throw.

 

where did you get these from? can they be picked up from anywhere as a single item? i bought a used transmission and it wasnt boxed well when shipped. the shift arm with the weight on it got bent and the smaller one has too much play in it, but it doesnt seem to be a roll pin issue. more like the shaft internally is screwed up

wish i could help on why they are different, but i have no clue

 

The light colored set "supposedly" came from and 09 HHR SS with LSD. The darker colored set came from a new warrantied HHR SS LSD trans back in 2012. I'll post part# I've found later.

 

ive found the larger one with the weight on crate engine depot. couldnt find it before, but it looks to be like the new style, or youre light colored set with the hole on top

i couldnt find the smaller one though. it may be in decent enough shape to be reused for me though.

heres the link to ced

Cobalt, HHR Shift Lever 55563724

 

Which set is the "other" set?

It would make sense to me that if the gear selector lever which actuates upon an up/down movement of the shifter were to be shorter that the shift would feel more notchy as you are having to exert more force to move the internal selectors the same distance.

The left/right control arm shouldn't make a huge difference, maybe a little bit shorter distance from the 1-2 gate to the 5-R gate. Might interfere with reverse lockout that way.

I say whichever combination feels the most comfortable to you, go with it.

Have a look at the cable angle change at the transmission end, might explain the awkward shifting you mentioned.

 

OK guys follow along
LEFT SET - newest set, came direct from GM (new/0 miles) ON a new 4.05 LSD trans for warranty back in 2012, speed shifts/NLS the best, more comfortable shifting

RIGHT SET - older set, has a hole in the weighted lever, came from an 09 4.05 LSD trans, feels notchy, more difficult to speed shift and NLS

Thanks for finding that. That is a different part # than I have for the bigger, weighted lever. The part # I have is 55563737.

The shorter lever part # I have is 55563735.

I kinda thought the same thing at first but it ended up different than what I expected. It's difficult to see in the pictures but the bigger/weighted levers are not much different. The smaller levers are key IMO. The shift gate is much more accessible for 2-3 and 4-5 shifting, meaning, you don't have to be as precise with the shifter. I've done the whole cable adjustment deal with each set. It's a two man job. I have someone else work the shifter while I inspect the throw and also check for cable bind(when cable has too much throw causing cable to bend when attempting to move much further than it needs to for proper engagement) That's the best way I can explain it.

 

Ah yeah I get what you're saying. Bending a shift cable sucks.

 

Seems like it's pretty much inevitable no matter which levers are used. Probably because of the amount of slop in the stock plastic shifter which I am still using, but you can set it to where it "bends" evenly on each throw/overthrow.

 

Bringing this post back. Very interesting. I need to look at my shift levers on both my in car and spare trans . I'm getting ready to change my roll pins as preventative maintenance. That would be the time to do them. Edit: Wasnt understanding fully the pic. Checking to see if I have any of these laying around. Great info!