BH tailgate lock rod.

[thesavo]

the tailgate lock barrel in my 2004 legacy wagon is frozen up, and the lock rod has been missing since I got it this past January.
6 weeks ago I grabbed a lock rod from an outback while at the salvage yard. I didn't get a look cylinder then because the donor vehicles were either missing the key or they were also frozen. So I figured I would get a rod then so I would then only need a cylinder.

I picked up a lock barrel from a 2003 for my 2004. When I was installing the rod I noticed that the rod is too short.

Is it possible that the rod is too short? I was sure it was definitely an OB from 00-04. Perhaps I was wrong.

[thesavo]

Could it be the latch actuator is different on an early 2000-2004 outback? What I should do is compare a picture of my own legacy latch before I take the lock rod from the donor vehicle

[thenines']

I have this problem with my '99 legacy (no remote option) I bought it brand new-so I know it's the right one-but, the gate was damaged by the previous owner so the bolt holes don't even line up! I can't even find the time to bring it to a body shop I think it needs so I can open it up from the outside again.

[thesavo]

Could your 99 MY part be meant for a late build and yours is an early build?

[rkrenicki]

Since this is not a DIY, I moved it to the body section.

otherwise, have you tried turning the lock cylinder over?

[thesavo]

I tried to but the slant on the cylinder and the tailgate only match in one position

[thesavo]

Update: I got it working with a longer lock rod.

I went to the yard and got another lock rod. This was from a 01 legacy. The other rod was from an outback I believe.
All were post MY 2000.

Here's a picture of the rods side by side.
The top one was what fit.



Here's a picture of it from the donor vehicle, and different one from the yard. Notice the latch hook orientation and the bends.