Parts for your 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero-Strut mounts

1987 Mitsubishi Pajero — Strut mounts and whether they’re a thing

For the 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero, strut mounts aren’t fitted and aren’t relevant. This model doesn’t use MacPherson struts at all, so there’s no “strut top” or rubber strut mount to service. Factory references, including the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero 1983–1991 Workshop Manual and common aftermarket manuals like the Haynes Mitsubishi Montero 1983–1999 and Gregory’s Pajero 1983–1991, specify a front suspension that’s independent double wishbone with torsion bars and separate shock absorbers, plus a live rear axle with either leaf or coil springs (depending on variant) and separate shocks. Because the shocks are not structural struts, there’s no strut mount in the design.

Strut mounts only apply to vehicles with MacPherson struts, where the damper and spring form a structural “strut” and the top mount anchors it to the body while isolating noise and vibration. The ’87 Pajero’s layout uses control arms to locate the hub and a torsion bar for the front springing, with the shock absorber simply managing damping. Up top, the shock uses bushes and washers rather than a strut top bearing. That’s why any catalogue listing a “strut mount” for this model is either a universal part or mislabelled, for this Pajero, you’re looking at shock absorber upper/lower bushes or mounts instead.

If the goal is to tidy up knocks, vibration or sloppy handling on an ’87 Pajero, attention is better spent on components that actually wear in this setup:

• Front shock absorber bushes/mounts, upper and lower control arm bushes, and upper/lower ball joints
• Steering gear: idler arm bush, pitman arm, tie-rod ends and drag link
• Rear shock bushes, spring eye and shackle bushes (leaf), or trailing arm and panhard rod bushes (coil)

Tell-tales for worn bushes or joints include clunks over corrugations, steering wander, uneven tyre wear, shimmy at speed and a crashy ride. After any suspension work, a proper wheel alignment is worth its weight in gold. For long life in Aussie and Kiwi conditions—corrugations, beach runs and towing—quality shocks, fresh bushes and correct torque on all fasteners will do far more than chasing a non-existent strut mount.

Technical sources referenced: Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero 1983–1991 Factory Service Manual (front suspension: double wishbone with torsion bars, separate dampers), Haynes Repair Manual Mitsubishi Montero 1983–1999, Gregory’s Pajero 1983–1991—each describes non-strut suspension with separate shock absorbers and no strut top mount.

FAQs

Does a 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero have strut mounts?
No. It uses double wishbone front suspension with torsion bars and separate shock absorbers, plus a live rear axle with separate shocks. There’s no MacPherson strut, so no strut top mount to replace.

What should be replaced instead of strut mounts on an ’87 Pajero?
Focus on shock absorber bushes, upper and lower control arm bushes, ball joints, and steering components like the idler arm and tie-rod ends. At the rear, check shock bushes and either leaf spring eye/shackle bushes or trailing arm and panhard rod bushes (coil setups).

Can a 1987 Pajero be converted to MacPherson struts?
Practically speaking, no. The chassis and suspension geometry aren’t designed for struts. Conversion would require extensive fabrication and engineering certification. It’s far smarter to refresh bushes and shocks within the original design.