ORIGINAL: combatpigg
I'm not saying this is the case with ST, but some engines come with a liner shim. If the shim gets left out of the reassembly, then that will cause the piston to come up higher in the liner.
Look at the photo again. I don't fool with the STs often but I do have the break down charts out in my shop. I will check them out today and see if there is a shim under the sleeve but I don't think so? Those are just two very different rods!