"84 240Ti transmission stiff

I bought a replacement M46 transmission (not new) for the one on my
"project" car.

The one on the car had Kaput sync rings into 2nd and back to 1st. But
the shifter moved easily and freely thorugh all the gears otherwise.

The "new" transmission/OD unit has no problem with the sync rings; but
it seems very stiff to shift.

Pulling the (to me) long shift lever into 2nd requires sufficient
force that I pulled off the shifter knob. Put it back on while driving
down the road.

What is it with the stiffness? I don't understand. Is there anything
that should be adjusted one way, but the other way is much?

Or could it be that stiff shifting transmissions is the way it is for
Volvo?

I didn't expect something akin to the Borg-warner's of old, but to me
the force needed seems excessive.

Thank you.

Allan
'84 240 Ti - 215k
'89 240 - 195k daily driver

 

I've noticed quite a variation in shifting ease on M46's, not sure what the
explaination is, the transmission in my brother's '79 is silky smooth, my
other brother has an '81 that's nearly as nice. The transmission in my '84
is a bit stiff, though the one in my '87 740 is a nice compromise. I suspect
it might be the stiffness of the springs used behind the balls that ride in
the detents in the shafts the shift forks ride on.

 

That very well could be.

I also wondered whether a shorter shift lever is available. The stock
edition is too long for my comfort--I'd prefer about half that lever
gone. Maybe the lower third anyway could be removed.?