03 tailgate lock actuator dilemma

[nolakj]

Hoping the hive mind can help me figure out if Jeep changed the rear lock actuator in the rear tailgate from 02/03 to something else for every subsequent year. The part that comes up on every auto parts search I’ve done is vastly different than what I pulled out.

The mounting holes don’t line up with what’s in the door. I also went to the junk yard and pulled one from the same year. It looks just like what I ordered but not like what was in my jeep.

Posting some pics. New part is silver. OEM is brass. Thanks for looking. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[nolakj]

Ok. Got some intel from a parts supplier. Turns out they DID change this actuator on KJs made after 10/02. Mine happens to have the earlier (very hard to find) model actuator despite being an 03.

Do I change out the tailgate door so I can replace this part easier in the future? My attempt to rebuilt failed.

 

[GTLiberty]

I’ve had success finding these as salvage parts sold by various vendors on eBay

 

[GTLiberty]

Ok. Got some intel from a parts supplier. Turns out they DID change this actuator on KJs made after 10/02. Mine happens to have the earlier (very hard to find) model actuator despite being an 03.

Do I change out the tailgate door so I can replace this part easier in the future? My attempt to rebuilt failed.

I’ve had success finding these as salvage parts sold by various vendors on eBay

 

[GTLiberty]

I’ve had success finding these as salvage parts sold by various vendors on eBay

 

[nolakj]

Thanks! I have seen a couple of these on eBay but it seems like a roll of the dice as they’re all over 20 years old. Still wondering if a later model 03 and up rear tailgate would be a good “bolt right on” option since those lock actuators are very readily available? Anyone done this yet?

 

[nolakj]

Thanks! I have seen a couple of these on eBay but it seems like a roll of the dice since they’re all 20 years old. Still wondering if a later model 03 and up rear tailgate would be a good “bolt right on” option since those lock actuators are very readily available? Anyone done this yet?