Papa Wheelie

The seller reported a slight ticking noise for the last few weeks prior to the breakdown. I dont have the trans code but google tells me its probably a VDC. I have read the preload adjustment procedure and it seems straightforward. He is asking 700 and I offered 500, he is thinking. How difficult is a trans swap?

I am looking at buying a 2002 Outback H6 for a good price. It has 260k miles but is well maintained and very clean. It has a issue with the front differential. The seller reported that he heard a clunk and popping noise while making a low speed turn then drove it home 1/2 mile and parked it. I checked the vehicle and the passenger CV and axle seems fine but has a LOT of longitudinal and axial end play where it meets the trans. The roll pin is not sheared but you can pull the CV in and out of the trans about 3/8" The seal is shot, the seal shroud is loose and its leaking but hasn't been for very long. I also found the driver side differential adjuster unsecured and turned out several full turns. My guess that the lock tab of the driver side adjuster fell out, the adjuster loosened and it skipped a tooth in the low speed turn. I am thinking I could reset the differential pre-load, replace the seal and repair or replace the CV, change the oil and make this a decent driver again....any opinions?