Parts for your 1988 Mitsubishi Pajero-Gas struts

1988 Mitsubishi Pajero gas struts — are they used, and what’s relevant?

Based on factory documents and parts catalogues, gas struts are not a factory-fitted item on the 1988 Mitsubishi Pajero (Gen 1, L040 series). The Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero 1982–1991 Factory Service Manual (Body/Group 42) specifies a mechanical prop rod for the bonnet, and a side-hinged rear door with a check strap/door stay rather than lift-assist gas springs. The Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue for the same model year likewise lists no gas-lift cylinders for the bonnet or tailgate assemblies. General repair guides such as the Haynes Pajero/Montero manual (1983–1996) echo this layout: prop-rod bonnet, side-opening rear door, no gas struts in standard trim.

Why no gas struts? It comes down to design choices suited to rugged, outback-capable 4x4s of the era:

• Bonnet reliability: a simple prop rod is dead-easy to service, unaffected by temperature swings, and less likely to fail in remote conditions.
• Side-hinged rear door: the Pajero’s rear door carries the spare wheel and swings laterally, a gas strut isn’t required to lift it and would add complexity. A robust check strap does the job of controlling the door’s arc and holding position.
• Body style: there’s no lift-up tailgate or hatch that would normally need gas struts to counterbalance weight.

Owners sometimes retrofit gas struts aftermarket, typically for the bonnet to make hands-free opening a bit flash. That’s a personal preference rather than an OEM requirement, and it usually needs brackets and careful mounting so nothing fouls the guard or bonnet edges. On vehicles that work hard off-road, many prefer to keep the original prop rod and door stay for durability.

If an aftermarket kit is already fitted, basic care helps it last:

• Wipe the strut shafts clean, avoid grease or silicone sprays on the shafts or seals.
• Replace struts in pairs if lift effort becomes uneven, the bonnet sags, or there’s oil mist around the seals—especially noticeable on cold mornings.
• Confirm full opening doesn’t stress hinges or contact accessories like snorkels or roof racks.

For a stock 1988 Pajero, though, gas struts simply aren’t part of the original service schedule—because they’re not there from factory.

Popular questions about 1988 Mitsubishi Pajero gas struts

Does a 1988 Pajero have gas struts from factory?

No. Factory references (Mitsubishi Workshop Manual, Body Group 42, and ASA parts listings) show a bonnet prop rod and a side-hinged rear door with a check strap, with no gas-lift cylinders specified for bonnet or tailgate.

Can gas struts be fitted to the bonnet on a 1988 Pajero?

Yes, aftermarket bonnet-strut kits exist. Fitment typically involves bolt-on brackets, occasionally minor drilling is required. Confirm clearance at full open, and choose corrosion-resistant hardware suitable for Aussie and Kiwi conditions.

What maintenance applies if aftermarket gas struts are installed?

Keep shafts clean, don’t lubricate them, and check operation seasonally. Replace in pairs if lift weakens, the bonnet won’t hold, or there’s visible fluid at the seal. Ensure open height doesn’t overextend hinges when off-roading on uneven ground.