Subaru Repair: timing belt change, haynes manual, cam gears

Question
Greetings.  Need to replace the water pump on wife's 1998 Outback w/ 2.5L DOHC.  Figured I'd replace the timing belt too.  Marked the cam and crank gears like the Haynes manual says.  Two questions: had a bear of a time getting the left cam gears off, any hints as to how to make this easier next time?  Second, how can I reassure myself that all is well and aligned when I go to replace the timing belt, i.e that the cams are in their proper alignment and that valves will not go crunch?  Thanks in advance.

Answer
The only thing I can suggest is to make sure the camshaft sprockets are clean when you install them. They should go on easier. Also I do not know if you removed the tensioner and belt before you tried to remove the sprockets. I have know people to do that and it is unwise. Remember the belt goes on after the gears and is held tight by the tensioner. As long as the marks are lined up you should be fine.