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Here’s my “write up” on removing those when like all 50 of them were stripped. Granted I had the motor out of the car but I’ve done one off bolts here and there the same way. I used a heavy steel mallet, a good but heavier than a hammer. https://www.subaruoutback.org/threads/alternate-method-for-removing-stubborn-rusty-seized-bolts.122882/

I’m not sure what youre asking - you ask if they swap but mention multiple times “taller”, what does “taller” mean to you? The struts don’t change the car height, so I’m not sure where you’re seeing they’re taller or why it matters - once installed there is no appreciable difference. Most people swap struts and keep the original springs. Use 00-04 springs on 00-04 outbacks and 05-09 springs on 05-09 outbacks. Use 00-04 struts on 00-09 outbacks. if you want to worry about “height” then the discussion is about springs - most people install turbo baja springs in 00-09 outback at get a stiffer rear and extra 1”+ bump for loads/towing. Anyway height is about springs, not struts....you’re asking about struts but talking about height I already said all this but 00-04 and 05-09 Outback struts are interchangeable. It’s very well known across Subaru world - as I already said people install 00-04 all the time in 05-09s, it’s almost a standard “upgrade” in DIY Subaru circles. If you do go OEM, the OEM 00-04 struts are good struts.

Pitch stopper bolts - just do them up tight. I always use the arm gauge for the torque setting on those bolts. Cheers Bennie

Aye! No special tool for driver's side tensioner..... the thing to do... before u put the belt on...... is to bolt it in the opposite direction...... (if you know what I mean)..... just get it out of the way by pushing it..... then the slide bolt.... tighten it up...... when you get the belt on.... Just loosen the slide bolt... it will pop into place........ that is all I do... with my belts.... I don't put anymore tension on the belt than the spring tension..... run without covers.... bathe 'em in anti-seize!!! (had five of these cars....total over 1Million miles,,, maybe 1.25+ )

You can helicoil that bolt hole or if my memory is correct you can unbolt that part and install another one, or at least it did on the older EJ engines Part Number: 13156AA052