ST162 gearbox differences

[Jt_70R]

Can anyone clarify some differences in 162 FWD gearboxes for me?
Was there ever a Jap spec box and Aus spec box or were they all the same? Ive tried to have work done on my 1st gen 162 box, but when the mechanic tried fitting some parts from a supposedly same box apparently they wouldnt fit. Ive been told that i have a JDM 3SGE, as ive had similar problems getting parts to fit this engine. Apparently my box has closer ratios than that of normal celicas. The box was supposed to be rebuilt, but still will not go into 2nd or 3rd properly, apparently a synchro issue. It has new synchro rings, but were there ever any differences between Aus spec and Jap rings? Perhaps i have slightly wrong sized synchro rings or something. I would prefer to keep the box, as i like the closer ratios giving good acceleration. That and the amount of supposedly new parts that live inside the box.
If anyone could clear this up for me it would be great.

[RWDboy]

No idea what's going on there mate.

Afaik - all manual ST162s w/- 3S-GE had the same gearing and final drive.

Unless you are trying to use 3S-FE ST162 (sometimes called a ST161) parts. They could be different!