Subaru Repair: Right front axle on Subaru Outback H6 3.0, outback h6, subaru outback

Question
I'm told that because the boot is split on the RIGHT front axle on this car, I need a new axle.  While I had the wheel off to do a brake job, I could see the split boot, and some grease inside.   Is it true that a new axle is required, and if so, could I do this myself?  Never done anything of this sort....but I do brake jobs easily.  Any special tools needed beyond a floor jack, jack stands, and standard home mechanic-type tools (wrenches, socket/ratchet sets, air tools, etc)?  Is the axle pressed into the wheel bearing, and/or into the transmission on the other end?  What tools do I need to remove it, and to press a new one in place (or the old one after I refresh the grease and replace the boot)?  I can simply take our car to a service shop and have the part replaced, but want to ensure that's the best way to go before doing so.  Thanks! -- Jim

Answer
If you can still see some grease in the joint, and you are not getting any noise or vibration when accelerating or turning, then save yourself the money and have a shop (preferrably a dealer) reboot the axle. Believe it or not I do alot of these axles, but have never done one on a six cyl. Iam not sure if the axle is just pushed into the transmission like newer foresters, or held to the transmission with a roll pin. E-mail me back with the year, and I will make sure to look at the next one I can. I recommend a dealer, only cause I know the techs will know what they are doing. I never trust independant shops. Thats just me.