Gears & Axles - Question on pinion seal / install kit

Ok so I am looking to replace my 2 series carrier and 2.73s in my 98. I found a 3 series carrier from an 02 and a gear set from an 01.

I read that the pinion seal changed in 01 late year. When I'm looking for install kits I see different options for different years. Do I buy the kit for my 98 since that is the housing they will be going in? Do I get the kit for an 02 since that is the year of the carrier?

Any input on this would be appreciated. Thanks!

I think/believe it's based on the driveshaft yoke.

http://ls1tech.com/forums/gears-axles/1146967-help-rear-pinion-seal-replacement-problem.html

Ok so then I would get one for my 98. Anyone else care to chime in with some more info? I want to make sure I get all the proper parts before I take it somewhere to get this installed. Thanks

Yeah, should go with the yoke. I apparently got the older version by mistake and the ID is smaller than the newer one

If the car has a lot of miles you might consider a new yoke as the seal eventually wears a groove in it.

The car has about 94,000 miles on it. I'll look into getting a new yoke too.

Buy the regular Ratech kit. It comes with the older seal, which is what you need. The seal changed in 01 and the newer cars (like mine) require a newer seal. I've seen very early production 01 models use the older seal so I suspect they changed it somewhat mid-year.