I junked my 99 Subaru Outback and saved the hitch for the 97 Outback from Uhaul, but it doesn't look like they are compatible, though Uhaul said they were.  It doesn't look like the bolt pattern lines up.  My date of manufacture is 2/97.  Anyone have the changeover dates? Thanks.

The Subaru hitch fits Model Year '96-'99 Legacy Outback models, I grabbed an aftermarket (Reese, maybe?) one from a '98 in a junkyard a few years ago, and it bolted right up to a '96. Unless your '97 is an Outback Sport, it should work.

Mine is a limited and a mechanic looked at the 99 unit and it doesn't look compatible to the 97 Outback.  

If it came off a 99 it will fit a 97. Usually have to drop the muffler and evap canister to install. But it will fit.

 

I put a 95-99 style one on my 2000 outback. 3 of the 4 holes lined up. I welded an extra plate on for the 4th.

It looks like bolt holes will need to be drilled; I thought that the frame with plugs in it could just be punched through and that the trailer hitch frame would line up the Uhaul unit with the Subaru.  

Depending on the hitch style - yes. you need to drill to mount them. Did this for my wife's 2011. Not a bad job.

 

This also means you have a beefier class 2 or 3 hitch instead of those little bumper mounting types. Well worth a little extra effort to have a solid hitch with more capability.