kawicowboy

My tailgate wont open, Ive taken it apart and here is where I stand, the handle works along with the rod moving back and forth, the lock works by pulling the cable but there doesnt seem to be anything that connects the lock to the latch, so pulling the handle doesnt activate the lock. I am missing the the key cylender but I dont think it has anything to do with it( its diconnected from the lock) I cannot find a diagram detailed enough to help me out. Anyone have any experience with this.