I'm finally getting to change the prop shaft on the 98 Leagcy, which as a bad front u-joint. A reputable used parts guy said that the whole shaft should be changed, because there is often damage done to the bearing area when trying to separate the pieces. Is he correct, or is there a way to just replace the bad front half?? Thanks.

subaru's have non- servicable/replaceable u joints. when they go bad, you have to get a new driveshaft. - Unless you take it to a specific shop that works on driveshafts. they can cut off the bad u joint and replace it with a servicable one.

Never had a problems splitting them, but you may have some balance issues if you only change the front.

i've seperated the front and rear halves a billion times and others have as well, because they've gotten just one half from me. never seen or heard of a problem. never heard of issues with the center carrier bearings being damaged, i've never seen one of those fail, but they are just bearings so they can. if it were me i'd check the rear ujoints as well while it's off and replace it if any of the ujoints are lumpy feeling, it's very obvious if they are. might want to have the entire driveshaft in hand just in case, that may be what he's thinking as well.