To bead, or not to bead... that is the question.... (arf arf)
The plot thickens.
First, I was wondering what the fancy red "can" was on yours - had no idea of the tube thread. NOTE: I can't believe the rib design would blow out. Mine is so tight, I sometimes have to reposition my hand on the handle to get enough force to unsnap and pull it out.
I have all the tube #'s for all Gen 2 from the parts pdf files:
5245085: 92-95
5245898: 96
4763792: 97
4763792AC: 98-02
Of course mine has 4763792AB and has the rib and the matching dipstick cup that snaps over it.
and of course, yours has a # that is completely different. NOTE: did you check the other side of your tab? that is where mine is stamped in very tall numbers. ALSO, I looked at my front pic and there may be a # under the grime - I will check... LOL, I have a different #: 112448
RE: Superseded: if so, could they have also superseded the dipstick, both to a different design that would have to be used together (like a new, no rib design?)
Somewhere I believe you posted a pic of early and late dipsticks laying side by side. and it looks like the difference in length is about the same as the distance from my scribed mark and the FULL mark (1.25" in my case)
I have to take that MGW handle off and see how much dipstick is engaging that aftermarket handle.