Will a factory hitch from a 2000-2004 Outback wagon fit onto a 1996 Outback wagon?

I think not, I remember when I was looking for one for my 2001 a friend had an older one from his 1997 and when i got mine it was different. Check one of the online places like etrailers.com or hiddenhitch.com and see if the numbers between the years match.

I dunno either, but someone has a couple for sale for 90's legacies in the stuff for sale section I think

%75 sure they will fit. i was planning on installing a 1997 era hitch on my 2002 OBW because it's a lower profile than what i have on there now. when I looked into it last summer i thought i came to the conclusion that they're interchangeable. but it's been awhile and i'll even double check before i actually remove mine to swap.