Hey guys great site. I am planning on starting my 2.8 to 3.4 swap this weekend. I have read here on this site great info on this. I was priceing timing gasket and the sales person asked if i needed the set with sleeve and seal or without. Not sure what he meant. I think seal is for timing cover to crank, what is this sleeve thing. Also how do i know which one I need. Thanks in advance.

The sleeve is a thing stainless shell that goes on the harmonic balancer, where the timing cover seal touches it. There's usually a groove worn in them which guarantees leaks. The sleeve provides a new flat surface for the seal to seal to.

Use it. It works. Next best thing to buying a new balancer.

Thanks for your quick response. The guy at the parts store had no idea. Will go with the sleeve. Thanks again Steve