Just to chuck it out there the Z series gearbox has the same pattern as the L series ( I think ) but the engine leans a different way and the rotation of the stud pattern on the gearbox is changed.

May be the solution for the dowel alignment and also give a common low demand bell housing ( plenty of warn out Navara's )that swaps to the correct size gearbox ( i have swapped the z front on to an L box )

I might even have a backing plate to check might wander out the shed later see if I can see one