97 Outback Tie Rod Replacement

I think the place working on my 97 Outback is confused. I took it in today to have the tie rods replaced (one was noted as lose when I had my alignment done, and both are probably shot after my last Death Valley excursion down the Lippincott Mine Road). After it's in the shop for a while, the guy calls me up and says that Subaru changed the car mid-year (in 1997 Outbacks) such that the tie rods are no longer individually replaceable but rather the entire steering assembly must be replaced instead (I'm pretty sure he said steering assembly). I haven't been able to find any info here or elsewhere on the web about this; all I can find are places selling tie rods. I'm assuming that he is confused and that they are individually replaceable. Anyone have any insight on this?

Thanks,

Josh