tater_salad

On other forums I always see people scream about replacing all 4 tires on an AWD car, and keeping them rotated all the time, or the Dif will die in 2 months. I'm just not seeing it, I could understand if all 4 wheels were being driven all the time, but as far as I know Subarus are 2wd until the main wheels slip, then it powers other wheels with traction. Also wouldn't AWD systems be designed to take care of the 1-2 inches of differential between the circumference of the tires. I could understand this not being worked out 25 years ago, or with something like a donut spare (2wd fuse). But not with same sized tires

Good idea to cut the wires @ the sensor before doing.. that way I can just use a regular wrench.. The space on the TS is small. I will def be loading it up with PB-blaster / liquid wrench. I always do with anything I work on at least 1ce before doing any work.. Rust here in Buffalo is always an issue, so I will usually spray the night before.. Good idea on warming the car up... didn't think to do that.. I'm sure that'll help a bit. I belive it's a 3-4 wire on the TS, I wansn't planning on going right from the dealer.. I'll check around online northtown's a ripoff for anything, west-herr isn't too bad but I've never dealt with their subaru parts desk.. It's not 100% needed yet.. Inspections' due in june and it's not really killing gas mileage a while lot.. I will probably take care of it in the next month or 2 before the winter shows up, so I'm not killing the cat unnecessarily.

Any tips to get it out and off (Besides get the tool)?

I'm currently getting a P032 Front O2Sensor code on my 2004 SOHC 2.5L Impreza TS. I'm looking at O2 sensors and they are around $80 and I'd need to splice it into the factory connector. The other option is $160 for the whole thing.. (sensor and connector) What's the experience with splicing.. $80 seems like a bit much for the added connector. I've done soldering and etc.. and value my time at about $20/hr.. I can't see that it would make a 4hr Difference to get this off. Also any help / thoughts on replacing this thingas easny as possible. I"ve seen WRX replacement guides online, which seems easier because you can get to it by removing the plastic inner fender wall. It looks like it's going to be a royal PITA to get to it on the TS. Thanks for the help.