Parts for your 1986 Mitsubishi Pajero-Struts

1986 Mitsubishi Pajero: Are struts used, and what to know about the suspension

For the 1986 Mitsubishi Pajero (first-generation L040 series), struts aren’t part of the design. Technical documentation shows it runs an independent double‑wishbone front end with torsion bars and separate telescopic shock absorbers, and a live rear axle with leaf springs and shocks. There are no MacPherson strut assemblies on this model year.

Relevant technical sources include: Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Factory Service Manual (L040 series, Front and Rear Suspension sections), Haynes Mitsubishi Montero/Pajero 1983–1996 manual, Gregory’s manual for Pajero L040, Mitsubishi ASA parts catalogue (group 32/33/54), and AU/NZ shock absorber application catalogues from KYB and Monroe, which list shocks (not strut cartridges) for 1986 Pajero variants.

Why no struts? The Pajero sits on a ladder frame and was engineered for off‑road durability and wheel travel. A MacPherson strut needs a tall, rigid strut tower typically found on monocoque passenger cars. The Pajero’s chassis layout and front differential/CV shaft packaging are better served by a torsion‑bar double‑wishbone setup, while the rear live axle with leaf springs simply uses conventional shocks to control damping.

• Front: Double wishbone, torsion bars, separate shocks – robust, adjustable ride height, good clearance around driveline.
• Rear: Live axle, leaf springs, separate shocks – strong and simple for towing and tracks.

What should owners focus on instead of “struts”? Routine checks of the shocks, upper and lower ball joints, control‑arm bushes, steering damper, tie‑rod ends, idler and pitman arms, leaf‑spring bushes and U‑bolts. Set torsion‑bar ride height correctly and book a wheel alignment after front‑end work. Off‑road use on corrugations or with accessories (bullbar, winch, roof rack) can shorten shock life, many choose heavy‑duty shocks to suit load and terrain. Tell‑tales for tired shocks include oil misting, excessive bounce, nose‑dive under brakes, and choppy tyre wear. Quality replacements and fresh bushes restore on‑road manners and off‑road control without the complexity of struts.

Popular questions about 1986 Mitsubishi Pajero “struts”

Does a 1986 Pajero have struts or shocks?
It has shocks, not MacPherson struts. The front is double‑wishbone with torsion bars and separate shocks, the rear is a live axle with leaf springs and shocks. That layout is confirmed across factory and aftermarket manuals for the L040.

What should be serviced instead of struts on an ’86 Pajero?
Focus on shocks, ball joints, control‑arm and leaf‑spring bushes, steering damper, tie‑rod ends, idler/pitman arms, and torsion‑bar ride height. After front‑end work, get a proper alignment to tidy up caster/camber and toe.

When should shocks be replaced on a 1986 Pajero?
There’s no hard rule, but many see 80–100,000 km in mixed driving, heavy towing, corrugations, and added accessories can bring that forward. Replace if there’s leaking, fade on rough roads, extra bounce, nose‑dive, or uneven tyre wear.