toms97

I don't seem to have a front diff dip stick on my 97 OBS. It looks like there is a metal plug of some sort where it is suppose to be. I wanted to change the gear oil but don't have any way to fill it or check the level. And yes, that ATF fluid stick is a bugger to find for the first time!

This is sort of a followup to my 1st post about a timing belt on my new-to-me 97 Outback Sport. I removed one of the timing belt covers and found a Subaru timing belt with the Cali spec part number 13028AA150. Were these installed on cars sold outside of Cali? This car was sold new in Ohio. Also saw what appears to be a date code, 7-04, and was wondering if the belts are/were ever dated?

Just got a 97 OBS that is very clean and runs perfect and want to keep it that way. It has 110,000 miles and I don't know when/if the timing belt was changed. There are no oil leaks anywhere and the drive belts, fuel/air filters, antifreeze, A/T fluid are newer so I know previous owner has done a fair amount of maintenance. I suspect someone who was that up on things would have had the t-belt done at some point too but can't confirm. Is it possible to remove the timing belt cover on one of these and see enough of the belt to determine it's age & condition? Also does the 97 2.2 use the older or newer style tensioner on the t-belt assembly? Thanks in advance.