Motorhead16

I have had similar experience with my 99 imp/outback. Dealer replaced and 48k later problem came back! So, rather than lay down another $500, I decided to do myself. Inspecting the new bearing revealed a low quality grease......so, I repacked it with Justice Brothers GC-LB. Part number 6073.Also, I made a press fixture so that the inner races were pressed gently onto the hub shaft. Also did the same for the outer race by removing some material from the old bearing race and using it to press in the new bearing.. My bearing R&R lasted 180,000 miles before replacement was required...not bad for a Subaru Noobie! Oh, the "new replacement bearing seems only to have a bit of relief cut from the outside/middle section of the race that is pressed into the hub....only difference I can see. I really feel that improper/lack of lubrication is the cause of the rear wheel bearing failures. I have only seen4 failed bearings, but all had the outboard bearing dry of lubricant. Hope this info helps others...I found out the hard way.

A trick I have used is put the trans in #5, set brake and just turn the bolt....gotta have mt for that though. I have thought of making the tools.....they are pricy and difficult to find. If I develop a home made tool, I will post.

Ok...update. I am returning that assembly for the proper year replacement. Pics look good. The swap will be pretty much plug and play after i replace headgaskets ,valve guide seals and other rubber. Looking forward to many miles of trouble free use May have to swap intake, but no biggee. I would have liked to use the 2.5 for a little more power, but my goal is proper replacement and reliability.

Thank you for your reply's...so, Grossgary, you are saying that the 98 2.2 Legacy motor they sent me will mate to my TY754 transmission? I only considered replacing my current trans as I was buying an engine/trans package.I am not happy about using my current cyl heads on replacement engine...they might be bad. My current trans works fine. The reason I am replacing my engine is because of severe overheating which continued after Headgasket replacement....It has new radiator,waterpump,t-stat. I like the idea of switching to a 2.5 because they seem readily available and a bit cheaper.....I would have to replace the ECM? Wiring should be same? I know that both engines were listed as options for my original build.

I am needing advise as to which engine and trans combination I can use in my 1999 Imprezza Outback. It has an EJ22, single OHC, manual 5 speed trans TY754VA1AA. The final drive ratio is 3.900. The vin # 6 digit is 4. The engine/trans mating surfaces have holes for 8 bolts/studs not including locating pins. I am OK with switching to an Automatic trans setup.though that requires new linkage and such, probably driveline also.If I switch to auto I wonder if I need new wiring/ECM and rear Differential. I had ordered an Engine/Trans unit from JDM, was assured it would fit...HAH! they sent me a 2wd trans with it. Not even close. Any thoughts or suggestions are greatky appreciated. ..