Mike104

I know the EJ25 DOHC are prone to overheating when the head gaskets go due to exhaust leaking into the coolant. I thought the EJ25 SOHC are more likely to have external leaks that could possibly result in overheating if the coolant level runs low. I've seen a number of older Subaru's for sale with the SOHC that complain about overheating (would stay away from since one wouldn't know how badly the lower end is) but was just wondering.

I've heard the Outback with a 2.2L is a bit doggy so that may not be the best option. Also if the Outback has head gasket leaks the bottom end could die early so using that block may not be the best choice for longevity.

Well as I am a grandfather but my Impreza isn't an old land yacht I'm going to go with the KYBs

Think I'm going to do what I thought I should and just get the KYB struts and tops.

That was kind of my thoughts but just wondering if anyone has actually used the Monroe of Gabriel units

I know there are some Chinese knockoff strut assemblies that I would be leery of but has anyone used Gabriel or Monroe Strut assemblies? I know KYB is OEM but It would be easier to replace the whole assembly instead of getting some shop to swap the springs over. Car is a 2008 Impreza Wagon

I did this on my 2003 Forester and the only way I could get it off was to cut the long bolt and burn out the rubber bushings in the knuckle. Since I needed it for a daily driver I splurged and bought two new knuckles, long bolt, two rubber bushings as well as a new bearing, hub and seals. Once I got the old stuff out it was a matter of just putting everything back together. I used the Harbor Freight wheel bearing installation tool to put the new bearings in. May not work for you but it's how I did it after watching many videos and expected a PITA time. Even using all new parts it was still a pain.

"on the first revolution of the engine the rings are wearing in - on the second they are wearing out" Best thing I read today!

Interval is 105,000 miles or 7 years and have used Aisin kits and had good luck on multiple cars. Just don't buy stuff from Amazon or eBay as they can be counterfeits. Rock Auto has good on Aisin kits (Japanese parts). Retail prices for parts at a Subaru dealer can be expensive. Some online dealers give a good discount. Go here to look up part numbers: https://www.subaruparts.com/?p.SUB759&keyword=subaru parts online&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIt_ra7rzn7gIVccqUCR3zeAJgEAAYASAAEgKKs_D_BwE

My oldest child (totally useless with technical things) was going to relocate to Portland and I was hopeful that they would at least be able to get car work done at your shop. Alas it's now Seattle. As I will be across the country I will no longer be in a position to help when car issues arise. Hopefully AAA will be able to get the car to you

If the OEM parts from Subaru are too expensive for your budget, the Aisin Kit is probably the best option. Buying parts from ebay/Amazon can be risky as some sell counterfeit parts and it can be difficult to determine which ones are real. The Gates kits have been known to put Chinese made parts in them. Aisin is the OEM water pump manufacturer for Subaru. I believe Koyo makes the idlers and NTN makes the Tensioner. Mitsuboshi supplies the timing belts. The preceding statement is what I have heard so it may not be 100% accurate.

And if you think it's bad just take it to any chain auto parts store and they can test it for free

The recommended OEM gasket fpr the EJ25 is the Turbo gasket 110044AA770 or 642. As Ramage says many have had good luck with the Felpro MLS gasket.

I've changed that sucker on my wife's Ford Exploder in the driveway, not something I want to do again!

Stick with an OEM coil (get one from a pull and pay yard if able) and use Subaru or NGK wires only. But definitely do the FSM diagnostic troubleshooting. Could be lots of things if it's not coil, wires or plugs (which you seem to have eliminated all).