Parts for your 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero-Rack boots

1987 Mitsubishi Pajero rack-boots: are they used, or not?

Based on recognised technical sources — including the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Factory Service Manual for first‑generation models (L040 series), the Mitsubishi ASA/CAPS electronic parts catalogue, and common workshop references such as Gregory’s and Haynes manuals for 1983–1991 Pajero — the 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero does not use rack-boots. Those documents specify a recirculating-ball steering gearbox with a pitman arm, idler arm, centre link and tie‑rod ends, rather than a rack‑and‑pinion assembly. As there’s no steering rack on this model, there are no rack bellows/boots to service.

That design choice reflects typical heavy‑duty 4x4 engineering of the era. A steering box and linkage cope well with off‑road knocks, tyre loads and chassis flex, and provide packaging room around the front diff and suspension. Because a rack isn’t fitted, “rack boots” (the accordion‑style bellows that protect a rack‑and‑pinion from dust, water and grit) simply don’t apply to the 1987 Pajero.

What does matter on this truck are other protective boots and seals. Owners and workshops should keep an eye on:

• Tie‑rod end dust boots and the centre link/drag link joints
• Idler arm and pitman arm seals/bushings
• Front CV axle boots (on independent front suspension models)
• Power steering box and hose seals (for leaks and play)

Regular checks after off‑road trips pay off. Clean away caked mud, look for splits or perishing, and check for free play at the wheels and through the linkage. Replace torn dust boots promptly to keep water and grit out, once a joint dries out or gets contaminated, wear accelerates fast and steering feel goes off. Where serviceable joints are fitted, apply the correct grease during routine servicing. After any steering linkage replacement, a wheel alignment is recommended. Stick to quality, vehicle‑specific components, universal “rack boots” marketed for other models won’t suit the Pajero’s steering box system.

• Does a 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero have rack boots?
  It doesn’t. The 1987 Pajero (L040) runs a recirculating‑ball steering gearbox, not a rack‑and‑pinion. As confirmed by the factory service manual and the Mitsubishi ASA/CAPS parts listings, there’s no steering rack or rack boots on this model.
• Which steering boots should be checked instead?
  Focus on tie‑rod end dust boots, the centre/drag link joints, idler arm components, and front CV boots. These rubber parts keep contaminants out of critical joints and are the usual wear items on this vehicle.
• Can a rack‑and‑pinion be retrofitted to a 1987 Pajero?
  While custom conversions exist, they’re not a straightforward, bolt‑in swap. Brackets, geometry, certification and engineering compliance make it a major project. Most owners stick with the robust factory steering box and maintain the linkage components.