I was at the wrecker yesterday and i noticed the 98 outback there had rear disk brakes. I have rear drum brakes on my 96 legacy. If i took the whole rear brake assembly would it be a direct swap? Or is there more needed?

Yes, I'd grab the E-brake cables as well and the brake lines coming off the body.

Have to swap the whole knuckle. You cannot get the backing plate for the brakes off without removing the hub, which means tearing out the wheel bearing.

Swap the entire knuckle assembly and brake cables and it'll work.

Edited April 29, 201510 yr by Fairtax4me

what he said - but if you have rust be advised it might a debacle of a job.  take a sawzall to the yard and cut the suspension linkages so you can mess with the PITA bolts at home.