Parts for your 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero-Steering rack

1987 Mitsubishi Pajero steering rack — not fitted, and here’s why

For the 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero (first generation, L040/L049), a steering rack isn’t used or relevant. Technical references including the Mitsubishi Pajero 1983–1991 Factory Service Manual (Chassis—Steering), Gregory’s Service and Repair Manual for Pajero/Montero of the era, and the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue all identify a recirculating-ball steering box setup with a pitman arm and idler arm, not a rack-and-pinion unit. Parts listings for this model show a steering gear (box), centre/drag link, idler arm and tie-rod ends—there’s no rack housing or rack boots in the bill of materials for 1987 models.

Why no rack? In the mid‑’80s, heavy-duty body‑on‑frame 4WDs like the Pajero were engineered for rough tracks, big tyre loads and long suspension travel. A recirculating-ball steering box handles shock loads better, offers higher torque capacity for off‑road tyres, and packages neatly around the front differential, crossmember and bash plates. Rack‑and‑pinion units can be more vulnerable to impact and contamination off road, and were less common on serious 4x4s of that period.

Instead of a steering rack, the 1987 Pajero uses:

• Recirculating-ball steering gear (steering box)
• Pitman arm and idler arm
• Centre/drag link and tie‑rod ends
• Power steering pump, hoses and (often) a steering damper

Owners searching for a “steering rack” for this year model are usually chasing play, wander or vibrations caused by wear in those components. Common culprits are a sloppy idler arm, tired tie‑rod or drag‑link ends, worn steering box sector shaft bush/seal, a fading steering damper, or low/dirty power steering fluid. Bushes and ball joints are consumables on older 4x4s—once they’re fresh, steering feel tightens up nicely.

Good servicing practice on a 1987 Pajero’s steering is straightforward: inspect the idler arm for vertical play, check all rod ends for looseness and split dust boots, make sure the steering box mounting and chassis area are crack‑free, and verify fluid level and hose condition. If there’s excessive free play at the wheel, an experienced technician can set the steering box lash to spec, if adjustment’s maxed out, a professional box rebuild is the go. Finish with a proper alignment and balance, and confirm the steering damper is doing its job—especially if the vehicle runs larger tyres and sees corrugated roads.

• Does a 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero have a steering rack?
  No. This model uses a recirculating-ball steering box with a pitman arm, idler arm, drag link and tie‑rod ends. That configuration is documented in period workshop manuals and parts catalogues for first‑gen Pajero.
• What parts should be checked or replaced if the steering feels loose?
  Start with the idler arm, tie‑rod and drag‑link ends, steering damper and the steering box (including lash adjustment and sector shaft seal/bush). Also confirm wheel bearings, alignment and tyre pressures are right, as they all affect steering feel.
• Can a 1987 Pajero be converted to rack‑and‑pinion?
  It’s a custom fabrication job and not typically recommended. Packaging around the front diff and crossmember is tight, off‑road durability can suffer, and road legality/engineering approvals are a hurdle. Refurbishing the original system usually delivers the best, most compliant result.