where to get a used 2.3 AT '05 tranny?
 

So my '05 AT 2.3 went out, I bought a used '04 tranny and the mechanic said it doesnt work. every dealership parts store or tranny shop i have talked to said that they are the exact same part but my mechanic is saying the '05 had two different transmissions and the one i got doesnt have the same length of input shaft and turbine shaft, that they are different by 3/8"

So I have two questions, first, does anyone know if in fact the '05 AT 2.3 was manufactured with two different transmissions? would any '04 or '05 2.3 AT tranny work in any 2.3 AT built mazda 3?

The second question is a bit more of a request. If anyone has a '05 AT 2.3, can you post or email me at bjbbiker@aol.com the last 8 of you VIN? my last resort is to compile a list of 30 or so VINs and have the dealership parts run them and see if they all pop up with the same transmission part or if it comes up with two different ones. I really appreciate the help

just to clarify, he said it wont work or it didnt? Looking over my service manual i dont see any part where it would have a side note for changes in production year. The g series should all be the same between 2002-09 (including euro models and some fords)

the guy i bought it from and all the dealerships said it would

the mechanic already tried to put it in but told me it doesnt work, i am finding a hard time believing him after all these different and independent businesses are telling me they are the same part