Go buy the seal, jack up the car, and replace everything that looks like this seal. Seriously, this is a big job. Since you are asking here you probably need to take your Forester to a qualified mechanic to have this job done. If you want to tackle the job yourself you will need to obtain a service manual, like Haynes from your auto parts store or the Subaru factory manuals. --Ken
Yes, it will fit and mount up just fine. But you will have to make sure the front differential gear ratio matches that of your rear differential. Or what you could do is swap the transmission from the Forester along with the rear differential from the Forester
No, just replace it.
The 2002 Subaru Forester has 40.2 in. of front head room.
The 2004 Subaru Forester has 39.8 in. of front head room.
The 2014 Subaru Forester has 41.4 in. of front head room.
The 2014 Subaru Forester has 43.0 in. of front leg room.
The 2013 Subaru Forester has 43.1 in. of front leg room.
The 2004 Subaru Forester has 51.6 in. of front hip room.
The 2001 Subaru Forester has 40.2 in. of front head room.
The 2008 Subaru Forester has 43.6 in. of front leg room.
The 2007 Subaru Forester has 43.6 in. of front leg room.
The 2004 Subaru Forester has 53.5 in. of front shoulder room.