Lower Felt seal

[frigidaire]

Hello

I have a 20 years old Frigidaire Gallery Heavy Duty Dryer, Had some problem with the thermal fuse, Wile it was open I decided to change a few parts including the top and lower felt seal.
The problem is the lower felt seal Genuine Manufacture 5303937183 is haft the thickness of the original, the top one is fine.

Those this seal get thicker with heat? (I doubt it)
Should I reinstall the old one? (I wish I would of check before I removed it)
Any other useful advice!

Thanks

Gerald