Parts for your 1988 Mitsubishi Pajero-Driveshafts

1988 Mitsubishi Pajero driveshafts: what they do and how to look after them

Driveshafts are absolutely relevant on a 1988 Mitsubishi Pajero. Technical sources including the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Factory Service Manual (1980s edition – Propeller Shaft and Front Axle sections), the Haynes Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero 1983–1995 manual, and Mitsubishi’s ASA electronic parts catalogue confirm the vehicle runs a part-time 4WD transfer case with a rear propeller shaft to the rear differential, a front propeller shaft to the front differential, and a pair of front CV halfshafts from the front diff to the hubs. No doubt about it: this Pajero uses driveshafts front and rear to get power to the ground.

Purpose-wise, the propeller shafts carry torque from the transfer case to both diffs, while universal joints (U-joints) and a slip joint handle angle changes and suspension movement. Up front, the CV driveshafts let the wheels steer while still delivering torque in 4H or 4L. Many long-wheelbase (LWB) models run a two-piece rear prop shaft with a centre support bearing, short-wheelbase (SWB) models are typically single-piece.

As part of routine servicing, owners should give the shafts a once-over every 10,000–15,000 km or at least annually—more often if the wagon sees off-road work, corrugations, or water crossings.

• Grease serviceable U-joints and the slip yoke until fresh grease purges, re-grease after deep water or mud.
• Check U-joints for play, rust dust around caps, or tight spots, any notchiness means replacement.
• Inspect CV boots for splits or grease fling, a torn boot quickly ruins a good joint.
• Look over the centre bearing (if fitted) for cracked rubber or rumble.
• Confirm flange bolts are tight and that balance weights are intact.

Replacement is straightforward but benefits from good practice. Mark the flanges so the new or rebuilt shaft keeps the same phasing and orientation. Use quality joints and fresh circlips, and match shaft length to ride height. On LWB props, replace the centre bearing if there’s any doubt. After fitting, torque fasteners to the factory spec in the service manual and road test for vibration. If there’s a buzz under load or on overrun, get the shaft dynamically balanced and check driveline angles. For CVs, replace the pair if one has failed, and always fit new boots and clamps. Treated right, Pajero driveshafts handle touring, towing, and bush tracks without drama.

Popular questions about 1988 Mitsubishi Pajero driveshafts

Does a 1988 Pajero have one or two driveshafts?
It has a rear propeller shaft and a front propeller shaft, plus two front CV halfshafts to the wheels. Many LWB versions use a two-piece rear prop with a centre support bearing, SWB models commonly run a single-piece rear prop.

How often should driveshaft U-joints and CVs be serviced?
A sensible interval is every 10,000–15,000 km or at least once a year. After water crossings or heavy mud, re-grease serviceable U-joints and inspect CV boots straight away, as water and grit are hard on bearings and splines.

What symptoms point to worn driveshafts on a 1988 Pajero?
Tell-tales include a clunk on take-off, vibration through the floor at certain speeds, shudder under load, or clicking when turning (front CVs). Visible boot damage, rusty dust at U-joint caps, or oil weeping at the transfer case/output seals are also red flags.