At the risk of bringing back a thread from the dead, I wanted to offer insight "for the next guy."  I am working on a 1898 action with some 1896 parts.  My research had led me to think the followers were the same, because vendors (Granpas included) list the follower as being for "all models".  I replaced the side plate, the loading door with 1898 versions.  The original 1896 spring is in good condition, there is plenty of resistance when opening and snapping the door shut.

The 1896 follower/carrier would ride against the bottom of the 1898 magazine slightly, and then would not fully extend.  Even with the side plate removed, the follower would not fully extend.  If the carrier was the only thing installed (door and spring removed), then it was able to extend fully.  The tab on the bottom of the 1898 door that pulls the follower away when the door is opened is what is limiting the follower to extend all the way.  There is, obviously, a corresponding slope on the follower that might be different 1898 to 1896.

I've ordered a 1898 follower and will give it a go.  If it doesn't fix the issue, which I really think it will, then I may try a different door.  But all of the pictures I've found show my door is a standard 1898 door, the spring is in spec, and the hinge pin is ok.  The 1896 follower arbor measured at 1.033.

What I don't know is if the 1896 door would have worked correctly with my 1896 carrier in the 1898 receiver - but my research previously had told me that it would not, because of, well, differences, I guess.

I'll update when the part arrives.