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Howdy, Pull out the ashtray, get down under the steering wheel and look UP @ the two screws inside the upper lip (?) of the ash tray bracket..Voila! You'll need a stubby or right-angle phillips to get @ those two. Td

Hi, No quick answer, but that's under warranty and I'd be taking back to the dealer for their opinion. Ensure you document it so in case there IS a problem later you can show them that you were being 'proactive'.

Hi, My experience on a '96 subaru Legacy is that they do NOT include the harness, but maybe I didn't look hard enough when I swapped in seats. Not sure on the Forester. Get a FSM/fact. serv. manual for the Forester to view the wiring. The OB seats MAY sit low in the Forester, but they will bolt in. The OB seats do have a HEight adjustment, which may help.

Hi, See attached which 'should' be a part of the Owner's Maintenance booklet - additional to the Owner's Manual. Also, I like to see the CARS101.com website for Maintenance info, too. I don't see anything referring to the 'severe use' category used on older models. But depending on how you drive (commute?) you may want to favor the more pro-active maintenance options to keep your Subie happy. GL, Td 2011 Legacy Maintenance Schedule.pdf

Hi and Welcome, Although covered on here, and online, the short answer is 'the 1996 should work'. I'm not saying you're 'wrong' about the input shaft, but this is the 1st time I've heard of that issue. What's the TZ code on the '96? Longer answer: Any transmission from '90-'98 will bolt up, but the Final Drive Ratio is the main difference: For Automatic = 4EAT - Legacy, Forester, Impreza: '90-'91 = 4.11 '92-'94 and all '91-'94 Turbos = 3.90 '95 are all 4.11 '96-'98 EJ22/2.2 = 4.11 '96-'98 EJ25/2.5 = 4.44 I suggest you read up some more as there are other things to watch out for. GL, TD

cars101.com may have some help....look for Programming Keyless info....looks like only back to 2010, but search. GL, Td

"Hello everyone, just had the ej25 motor blow up on my 99 OBW," This supposedly WAS the Phase 2 (EJ253?) engine w/earlier pistons and DOHC heads, correct? or RU both stating the EJ251 is the better choice? I thought it (251 vs 253) was just a MAP-based vs. MAF difference?

Didn't read it all but maybe the LC crew can help HERE.

^ Mr. G. The '96 OB had the 2.2 w/the 5speed; 2.5 w/the 4EAT. '95 had a Legacy OB, but was an "L" model w/different colors. No 2.5, no raised roof or suspension, etc. - per Cars101.com.

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And FWIW, I believe ONLY the '90-'91 are interchangeable......'92-'94 are different enough to not work (plug wiring,etc) although they look/function the same from the driver's seat.

I'm NOT trying to pick a fight (I'd lose), but in the last 10 years of reading about and working on Subies I've never seen one.....although these rumors persist? So, I'll believe it when I see it. :-)

'96-'99 OB 'should' all be the same Struts @ all 4. '00 had struts front; multi-link rear. Cars101.com should have the info, too.

So only up to 98' Legacy and 99' Outback is basically drop-in? YES 99' Outback has the updated rear crossmember? Not sure What you're referring to here? All '99 models have the newer style bellhousing w/the 8 bolts. But the earlier 4 -bolt engines still attach....just use the matching trans-side mounts.

Also, all the DOHC EJ engines - NON-AVCS* - should be the same. So, the turbo engines (EJ205, EJ20G) DIY on NASIOC, etc. for the WRX will also be a good reference. AS NOTED, the cams must be rotated a speciific direction as this is a fully interference engine. The LH (USA driver's) side are the finicky ones, IIRC. They llike to turn w/out much provocation while setting the T-belt. Remember to 'count your teeth'...2x+ to ensure you're 'belted in'. GL, TD *I've never attempted an AVCS/adjustable vavle Tbelt job so can't comment.

Just attached for future reference. A former Subaru mech I used loved that (expensive) Right Stuff....Nissan 3-bond is a better deal.

Hi, Doesn't matter - either will work. AFAIK, all EJ-series engines from '89-2010 will swap.

Still not clear...are you looking for a 'free' VIN check - aka Autocheck or Carfax? Check you PM for more info.

HI, Please remember to Search, as this is one of the most covered swaps for Subarus - right after the 2.5 to 2.2 swap. :-) yes, this will work. You may have some small differences w/the vacuum lines - the '98 had the Charcoal canister back by the rear of the wagon - the '96 is pass. front under the hood. Also, there may be a wire to the P/S pump sensor on the '98 that won't be there on the '96. Good news is that the '98 has more HP/Torque than the '96 AND it can run on Regular. Remember! Do the Head Gasket/ HG BEFORE you install any EJ25/2.5 engine (2.2 is recommended, too,). Unless you have documented proof they've been done.

Baja Sales attached.

No offese to GD, but did some # crunching on one of the 'Auto Sales Data' sites and the mid-size trucks are doing OK. See attached. You can't (fairly) compare to the full-size Ford/Chevy/Dodge as they're in a league of their own. Even the 3rd place Dodge Ram sold almost 500,000 trucks in 2016. The Tundra and Titan are even behind the mid-size trucks. I'm surprised the Titan is still around. As noted, the Tacoma is still King, but the updated Colorado/Canyon are not that far behind. The Ford Ranger is due to return, which will likely put a dent in the others' #'s. The Ridgeline IS in a sub-category/niche all its own, although it's considered a 'truck', and its buyers may be a unique group. The newly updated version is still selling well early in '17. But I agree that Subaru would be reluctant to re-enter that market unless they can do something w/broader appeal to the masses. Based on their current success, w/sales increasing year-over-year for the approx. the last 6 years, up 3% in 2015, and 11% in 2016, I don't see them changing their focus on gaining ground in the strong SUV/CUV markets. Last I read they were having some issues keeping up w/demand (cars101.com). The main issue, I see, is that the economy really dictates how well a niche model sells. Buyers are more open to spending $$ on something that may not be mainstream when they're not worried about paying the mortgage/losing their home in the next 6-months. You wouldn't see the Hellcat/Demon, Focus RS, Ford GT, Chevy SS (disco'd), possibly a new Supra, Civic Type R, Jeep truck (!), Hummer H1 return, etc, if the USA was in a Recession. FWIW, Td

Hi and Welcome, Have you yet driven the Crosstrek? They're a little weak in the power dept. Only one engine option: 2.0 148HP. The OB has the 3.6 option w/over 250. And the '17 OB is 'all new' supposedly, so might take a bit more search to see what's out there for the after-market.....the good news is that Subaru has been 'growing the brand' to the point that even those outside the Pacific NW's denizens are buying them more often. This usually leads to broader after-market support. One thing to note is that the OB and Foresters traditionally have had more ground clearance than some competitors, w/out the additional 'height' of a full SUV. You'd want to compare specs. Although 2" isn't much in Jeep-land, it's probably going to put you in a Stage 2 upgrade path, where you'd need to do more than just 'spacers'. The CVT question is valid. Not something I've read about, "How does it do w/non-stock, (aka taller) tires?" You could download the Owner's Manual and see what it says. Subaru of America (SOA) may also be worth a call/email. As noted by LT, dealing w/the warranty issues may not be worth it. Subaru hasn't proven to be any more lenient on 'mods' than other brands, from what I've come across. Unless you buy something sold @ the dealer under the Subaru label, it might be used against you. MPG 'shouldn't' be affected any differently than any other vehicle w/bigger/taller tires.... Your Jeep background probably knows where to look for that info?>>>>Unless that CVT has an (unknown) issue w/them. GL, TD

Yeah...the 2003 doesn't have the i-AVLS heads, so those won't work and you'll get a CEL. I don't 'think' you can swap heads or IM's either, due to internal differences.

+1 to all the above ....And do you have any trusted/recommended Subie mechanics in your area? That's the place to get it done right....not the dealer. Search on here/online for upgrades, lifts, etc. There was a lifted Baja on ebay a few weeks back that was 'bada$$' but was WAY overpriced. They do seem to be holding their own in value, but that may be for the low-mileage gems.

Hi, We'll want to see pics. :-) As you seem to know, the SUS was an actual model in '97-'99. Per Cars101.com, yours was one of a 'few' avl. in NE: No offense, but yours may not be as unique as you're thinking. If it has the 2.5/EJ25D and the SUS emblem on the trunk, it's probably a factory model - not necessarily a 'demo' as stated. For best exposure you'll want to list it on Ebay. Or post on the Subie forums. GL, TD