Both plastic parts have the same part number though.

I could be mistaken. It's been a while since I had both those parts side by side.

Spark Plugs
 

I replaced the spark plugs this past week. Wound up tilting the engine to one side then the other. Even then I wound up needing to swap out my ratchets to be able to use the right length extensions/adaptors. It did make access better though.

Old plugs looked fine to me. Installed new Subaru branded Denso plugs. Did not set gap or use antiseize. Visually the gap between the old plugs and new plugs was exactly the same. The old plugs seemed to have some sort of lubricant on them though so maybe I did that wrong. Oh well, they are in now lol.

Interesting discovery while tilting the engine is that there are flat squares on the block about 3 inches in front of the engine mounts. You can't see these with stock headers on, but spanning a 3.5" piece of 2x2 between the engine mount bolt and the square made for a pretty stable jacking point. The drivers side square is on a plane 1-2mm above the bolt head (my 2x2 just lifted at the bolt head). The passengers side square is on a plane 1-2mm below the bolt head.

This has been my experience with every single properly running fuel injected engine I've touched. I only replace plugs if I'm replacing a set of igniters. I've never seen one with the iridium chips burned so even then, it has probably been unnecessary.


The brown stuff in the threads is just varnish and oil.

Oh, now you tell me! ;)

For my next trick, I will be removing the steering rack bushings and replacing them with Whiteline poly bushings. I also have the STi diff bushings that I was thinking of installing to complete the drive line set.

The debate I am having with myself is whether to rig something up to pull/press bushings or just get the right tools. I've got a big C-clamp and a ball joint puller thing (great for wheel studs) that I apparently just need to find the right size tubing for. I don't think that will really work for the diff bushings though?

Hmmm.....

Haha... Can't go wrong with fresh plugs but yeah, IMO, there are more important places to spend $$$.

I had a guy until a friend surprised me with a hydraulic press. Presses, like cherry pickers, take up quite a bit of valuable space for such infrequent use.

Note to self: Remember this page if you actually did mess up the subframe bolt threads...

https://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49596

I'd recommend a press. Those things are in there pretty tight.

I just decided to order the Cusco tool for pulling the steering rack bushings. I just don't have the right stuff lying around to get at it and for some reason I can't get enough clearance for a c-clamp. Yeah it's $40+ for a tool I will use once but I'd easily spend that in time and materials to make it.

I'm just not going to do the sti bushings at this time. Too much other stuff going on and I'm running out of time.

Moved on to the rear for the moment. Halfway through the subframe inserts.

I guess I should have specified, I ment for the diff bushings :bonk: I've done those twice and they are really in there. The steering rack bushings should be no big deal. Could probably get them out with a deep socket, a long bolt with nut and washers.

Yeah, that is essentially what the steering rack bushing tool is, just an actual sleeve vs a socket. Unfortunately I don't have the right socket or a long enough bolt.

... ok wtf happened here?

One bolt came out wet an moldy. Other than being gross and needing to be cleaned both the bolt and sleeve look fine. :iono:

Edit:. On further inspection, the bolt is actually pitted a bit. Probably should get a new one. The bushings will probably be fine... Maybe...