Parts for your 1988 Mitsubishi Pajero-Suspension bushes

1988 Mitsubishi Pajero Suspension Bushes

Suspension bushes absolutely are used on the 1988 Mitsubishi Pajero. The front end runs double-wishbone, torsion-bar independent suspension with control arm bushes and sway-bar bushes, while the rear uses a live axle with leaf-spring eye and shackle bushes (plus sway-bar bushes on many trims). This is supported by the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero factory service manual for the 1983–1991 models, the Mitsubishi ASA parts catalogue (L040 series), and common aftermarket listings from brands like SuperPro and Nolathane that supply full bush kits for 1983–1991 Pajero.

On this classic 4x4, bushes are the quiet achievers. They isolate vibration, keep road noise at bay, and let the arms and springs move without metal-on-metal grief. Good bushes help the Pajero track straight, brake without shimmy, and keep tyre wear even. After decades of heat, oil mist and off-road flogging, the originals are usually perished or crushed—and that’s when rattles, vagueness and wandering creep in.

For servicing a 1988 Pajero’s suspension bushes, a sensible plan looks like this:

• Inspect every 10,000–15,000 km or before big trips. Look for cracks, splits, off-centre sleeves, and oil-soaked rubber. Pry bars help spot excess play.
• Prioritise front lower control arm bushes, sway-bar D-bushes/links, rear leaf spring eye and shackle bushes, and shock eye bushes.
• Replace in axle sets to keep handling consistent. There’s no fixed interval—condition and usage rule—but any 1988 truck on original bushes is well overdue.
• Choose materials to suit the job: OEM-style rubber for comfort and NVH, or quality polyurethane (e.g., Nolathane/SuperPro) for crisper steering and better durability off-road, with a touch more firmness.
• Install tips: press bushes squarely, never burn them out. Torque all pivot bolts at normal ride height to avoid pre-load and premature failure. Poly bushes need the supplied grease, rubber generally doesn’t (use soapy water for assembly if the manual allows).
• Finish with a wheel alignment, then recheck torques and tyre wear after 500–1,000 km.

If there’s clunking over corrugations, vague steering, or uneven tyre wear, fresh bushes can make an old Paj feel tight again—on the blacktop and across the paddock.

FAQs

What are the signs my 1988 Pajero’s suspension bushes are worn?
Common signs include clunks over bumps, steering wander, braking shimmy, and harshness over corrugations. You might also see uneven tyre wear and notice that the vehicle doesn’t hold alignment for long. Visual checks often reveal cracked or oil-soaked rubber and sleeves that have walked off-centre.

Rubber or polyurethane bushes—what’s better for an ’88 Pajero?
Rubber offers factory-like comfort and quiet, perfect for touring and daily use. Polyurethane sharpens steering and usually lasts longer off-road, but can add a bit of firmness and some extra feedback. Many owners mix: rubber for control arms and spring eyes, poly for sway-bar mounts and links.

Do I need a wheel alignment after replacing bushes?
Yes. Any change to control arm or leaf spring bushes can shift camber, caster or toe. Book an alignment immediately after installation and recheck it after the bushes bed in. It protects your tyres and restores proper handling.