Parts for your 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero-Gas struts

1987 Mitsubishi Pajero gas-struts — are they used?

For the 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero (first generation L040/L141 series), factory gas-struts aren’t a relevant or fitted part. Technical references – including the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero 1983–1991 Workshop Manual (Body section), the Mitsubishi ASA/CAPS electronic parts catalogue for 1987 VIN ranges, and the period Haynes Owners Workshop Manual – specify a simple bonnet prop rod and a side-hinged rear door with a mechanical door check/stopper. There’s no factory listing for bonnet or tailgate gas-struts on this model year.

Why no gas-struts? The Pajero’s rear door is a heavy, side-opening design with the spare wheel mounted on it. That layout uses hinges, a check strap and a stopper, not lift supports. Gas-struts are designed to hold up a liftgate or hatch, on a side-hinged door they’d be working sideways and don’t provide the right kind of control. Up front, Mitsubishi kept it simple and robust with a bonnet prop rod – a common design choice in the 1980s, especially on 4x4s where durability, cost and ease of field repair mattered more than convenience.

Owners sometimes retrofit aftermarket gas-struts to the bonnet for easier lifting, but that’s not factory spec. If someone’s chasing “1987 Mitsubishi Pajero gas-struts,” they’re usually dealing with a previous owner’s modification or looking at universal kits. If fitting aftermarket struts, make sure brackets are properly engineered for the bonnet’s gauge and hinge geometry, and check clearance at full open and closed positions to avoid stressing panels.

While the vehicle doesn’t use gas-struts from new, there are a few maintenance checks that deliver the same day-to-day ease and safety people often seek from struts:

• Inspect and lubricate bonnet hinges and latch, confirm the prop rod clips in firmly and isn’t bent.
• Check the rear door hinges for play, and the door check/stopper and strap for wear or cracking.
• Verify spare wheel carrier mounts and bushes, excess weight or looseness can stress the rear door.
• Replace tired rubber bump stops on the rear door to prevent rattles and improve closure feel.

If you’re unsure whether your Pajero has been modified with gas-struts, a quick visual check will tell the story: factory cars have the bonnet prop rod and no lift-support cylinders on the bonnet or rear door.

Popular questions about 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero gas-struts

Can gas-struts be fitted to the bonnet of a 1987 Pajero?
They can, but only as an aftermarket modification. Quality kits include brackets that mount at the bonnet and guard/hinge points. It’s important to match strut force to the bonnet’s weight and to avoid flexing the panel. Expect some drilling or rivnut installation, and recheck clearances after the first few drives.

Why doesn’t the rear door use gas-struts on this model?
The rear door is side-hinged with the spare wheel hung on it, so it relies on hinges plus a door check/stopper to control swing. Gas-struts are designed to hold up a liftgate, on a side-swing door they don’t control lateral motion or wind loads effectively, especially off-road.

Did any Pajero generation come with factory gas-struts?
Later Pajero generations in some markets used gas-struts on certain panels (for example, bonnets on selected models), but the first-generation 1983–1991 body kept the prop rod and side-hinged tailgate design. Always verify by checking the specific model and market build data.