Shimsno StX RC Shifter went US.

[elmore leonard]

I ran into a resto were the Shimano STX RC went US (unserviceable). It is a combo 7 speed shimano click shifter with the brake lever all in one assembly. I cleaned and oil it with no success. I had a spare 7 speed click shifter that I put on it it's place that worked out well. Where the problem was with the brake lever. I used a spare, on the Pro max v brakes, and could never get the travel right. The throw on the brake lever seemed wrong. Finally I got a brake lever the same style, short chrome one,  like the one on the shimano STX RC and got it working. so to cut it short I never thought brake levers had different travel and not suitable to use with all v brake assemblies. Is this correct?