So the '98 Outback I worked on for my mom is now in my garage once again with a few leaks to sort out. I brought it in because of some seepage from behind the oil pump (one of the few things I didn't touch when replacing the engine) but also found a substantial leak from a rear brake line and the exhaust. This model has 2 separate cats joined by a flange and one of them rusted clear off, but while shopping around for replacements I noticed that in '99 or '00 they changed to a 1-piece design that looks like the same exact dimensions as this one but without the extra joint. Anyone know if the newer ones will fit? If I can use that one I'd like being able to eliminate one potential failure point while I'm at it.
I believe it will work. I replaced mine on my 05 Outback and seen that it looks the same as my old 98 ob did just as a one piece. The only thing I'd make sure is the length of both. If that is the same I think it would work. But yet again it could be slightly different like the angle of the flange could be slightly different. I still have my 98 LOB if you need any parts for your mom's.
Oof, Detroit Lakes is a hike from here but I appreciate it. The length is a potential concern although they look to be the same, other thing I noticed is the front flange looks to maybe be at a different angle. One of the parts sites I looked at listed the 1 piece as a "revised" version and claimed it fits a '98 but I was hoping someone on here had tried it.
I also believe it will work. The mount on the transmission didn't move, and the only changes under the car in those years was the rear suspension, so everything in the front should be fine.