This is partially correct. The north side of T (now United gates), was the old international gates. The south side of T was added later, I think after E was built. The north side originally had I think four gates, and was capable of hosting a 747 and three L-1011/DC-10s simultaneously. Once E was built, they added a couple of more gate to T north so those gates are really designed for 737 class airplanes now. However, the newer gates on the south side of T are big enough to host wide bodies, at least 767s. I seem to recall seeing MD-11s there too in the past.

I think it is this ability to host the larger airplanes is what makes T the overflow for international departures. The A concourse also has some large aircraft gates, and I seem to remember the NRT MDS-11 departed from A at one time, as well as HNL flights.