American Transmission in Jap. Model?

[my126benz]

Hi guys I was hoping you could help me. I recently acquired a 1991 Toyota Camry DX, four cylinder, CA emissions, 152K miles, automatic transmission, and Japanese made. The gentlemen who owned the car had passed away without ever getting it on the road and we were told he had replaced the transmission himself but something was not right. The car would not start and my father and I quickly discovered the fuel pump was bad and replaced both the tank and the pump (rusty). Then we focused on the other major problem with the car, the shift linkages. The shifter knob Shifts from park to drive with some effort, but will not go into 2nd or low. I disconnected the shift linkage from the neutral safety switch and then the shift knob moved freely. I could still not get the link (at the neutral safety switch) on the transmission to shift into 2nd or low. I drove the car today around the neighborhood and it seemed to shift fine, but then I only had it going about 30mph. The car is not in any way street legal plus it badly needs tires so I don’t want to risk taking it on the open road. Upon further inspection I discovered that the transmission was an American version based on the VIN stamped on the plate (did not begin with J).

What I would like to know is:

1. What differences (besides the axles), if any, is there between a Japanese produced transmission and an American production unit. Are linkages and wiring connections the same?

2. Without being able to manually shift into 2nd or low, could the transmission still function well in all gears while in drive?

3. My father found some information in a service manual regarding a “manual valve unit” in the transmission. This is directly hooked up to the shift linkage. Does anyone know if it can be easily checked by dropping the pan? We have a suspicion it may be installed incorrectly.

4. Anyone have any other ideas as to why a transmission would not manually shift into 2nd or low?

Any information you guys have would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Phil