SubieSold

Would I be able to tackle this with a shorty swiveling 1/2 ratchet and a 3" extension and some shorty wrenches? Or do I need some smaller extensions and some 3/4 drive sockets? Pretty much all of my sockets are 1/2. Don't know about for the OBXT, since our 2.5i Outback was different than my LegacyGT (SOHC vs DOHC?). It may be that the additional 3" of chassis heighth in the OB gives you more room around the frame, if the engine is mounted a little higher (?). But with the Legacy you definitely need the shorter extensions and a 1/4 drive ratchet. I scraped by with 2 1" extensions (total length about 2.5"), but a 2" extension would be ideal, if you can find one. The plug threads are so long that near the end you need to shorten up the extension to get the ratchet out (for the rear plugs). No way you can do this with 1/2 drive ratchet.

I changes my plugs for the first time this weekend, and am sure glad I had this resource to look at prior to starting. Thanks to BoxerGT for taking the time to impart his experience. Anyway, I haven't read through all the pages in this thread, so please excuse me if this subject has already been raised. There is one point that is not raised in the walkthrough that is CRITICAL for a much quicker completion of the task. Prior to loosening the bolts that hold the coil packs, remove the wiring harness to each coil pack. Then when the bolt is removed, turn the coil pack 180 degrees and it can then be reletively easily removed upwards, even on both rear cylinders. It took me awhile to figure this out, but sure made the process easier once I did.

05 OB 2.5i 4EAT