front axle replacement

[TheWheelMan]

Will a manual front half shaft out of a 96 legacy outback work with my automatic trans?

[Hocrest]

no........

[Hocrest]

I have a little more time now for a better answer.

The axle will physically fit and work. BUT where it meets up with the hub is different and eventually your bearing will fail.

So, as a long term replacement? No.

In a pinch, away from home and that's all you have until you get the proper one? Sure.

FYI, you can get a new (not rebuilt) axle with a lifetime warranty for about $75 from Autozone.