97' Outback Wagon hatch compatible with 95' Legacy L Wagon?

[Bushwick]

-I have a 95' Legacy L wagon with a low roofline. I was at a local yard and came across a 97' Outback wagon. Even though it has the raised roof up front, the actual hatch appears identical and it seems the roof was sloped down enough that they are interchangeable? Is this correct?

 

-Also, to remove a hatch, where is the wiring plug located at so as to avoid cutting the donor's wiring?

 

 

-I take it one side (there are the 2 rubber boots that protect the wiring, on opposing sides with hatch raised) is wiring, and the other side is for the windshield washer hose?

[Rooster2]

Suspect the hatches will interchange. I have a 98 and 99 OB wagons, so am aware that the tops were raised higher then on a 95. I feel confident the extra height is extra body sheet metal. I seriously doubt that Subaru would have made two different hatch sizes. Doubtful if anyone on this forum has ever done this swap before to tell you it definitely will work or not. You may want to resort to a tape measure to see if size wise they are the same.

 

It is not that difficult to remove the inside panel on the hatch to check out the wiring. The wiring connectors are prolly inside there. I agree with you, in not wanting to cut any wiring. IMO, that never turns out well in the long run, just creates a spot for wiring to go bad in the future.

 

Be aware that removing a hatch is a two man job. It's size and weight is difficult for one man to handle.

[Bushwick]

Thanks. I suspect it's the same as the 2 grooves ''''''\________/'''''' on the top outer edges are the same height on the L and Outback, suggesting the actual roof is the same height by the time it mates up with the hatch. I couldn't get a good spot to measure off of given it's all angular, and just wanted to be 100% before committing.

 

I think the 99' and up, ARE actually different though between the high/low roof cars as I saw one with the high roof and the hatch seemed to sit higher.

[ocei77]

Can always go to opposedforces.com. look up hatch part number then click on part and see what interchange

 

O.

[heartless]

wiring connectors should be hidden either behind the ceiling panel, or in the rear pillar - depending on how it was run - not sure how the trim is on the newer models, but it shouldnt be that hard to get to.

 

but definitely a 2 person job!

 

on the old GLs it was in the ceiling...I think the 90 Lego was as well - been a while since I swapped out the hatch on that one....

Edited October 1, 2014 by heartless

[KiwiGL]

From looking at pictures of outbacks and legacies, I agree that the boot door seems to be the same.

 

On 2nd gen Leone touring/low-roof wagons, the bootlids were also interchangeable.

 

However on 3rd gen Leone toruing/low-roof wagons, the bootlids were different.

Just a thought.

[Bushwick]

A 97' Outback with a stepped/raised roof, does have the exact same hatch. Wire connectors are also the same both in the vehicle behind the passenger side tail lamp, and along the actual hatch. To reuse the wiring, I suggest disconnecting the 3 plug connectors behind the passenger tail lamp, and snaking it out through the pillar. Driver side only has the washer fluid hose. It is possible to remove the rear panel on the hatch, disconnect all the plugs,then try and feed the wiring out that way, but it's more labored and the fit is tighter getting all the plugs through the holes. Snaking the 3 plugs back through the pillar was straight-forward, though they might get hung up on one of the plastic clip holders. Only issue was the dome light wires. For whatever reason, they force you to unplug the dome light, then try and snake the wiring out. Was easier to just snip the wire and resolder them.