Parts for your 1989 Mitsubishi Pajero-Coil springs

1989 Mitsubishi Pajero coil springs — are they used on this model?

Short answer: coil springs aren’t a factory fit on the 1989 Mitsubishi Pajero in Australian and New Zealand spec. Technical references including the Mitsubishi Pajero L040/L049 series workshop manual (1988–1990), Gregory’s Service and Repair Manual No. 511 (Pajero 1983–1991), and the Haynes Montero/Dodge Raider 1983–1991 guide list the 1989 Pajero with independent front suspension using torsion bars and a live rear axle on semi‑elliptic leaf springs. Coil‑spring rear suspension arrived with the next generation (V20 series, early 1990s) where a multi‑link coil setup was adopted for improved ride and articulation.

Why no coil springs on the ’89? Back then, Mitsubishi prioritised durability, payload and towing. Leaf springs at the rear are tough, simple, and cope well with heavy loads and outback tracks, while front torsion bars deliver easy ride‑height adjustment and a compact package around the drivetrain. It’s a very period‑correct 4x4 recipe that made the first‑gen Pajero such a dependable tourer.

If someone’s searching for coil springs for a 1989 Pajero, chances are it’s either a mix‑up with later models or they’ve got a rare aftermarket conversion. For a stock 1989 truck, attention should go to the parts it actually uses: front torsion bars, rear leaf packs, shocks and bushes.

• Rear leaf spring care: look for sagging ride height, cracked or broken leaves, worn shackle and eye bushes, and loose U‑bolts. Replace flattened packs rather than endlessly re‑arching. Match new packs with appropriate shocks.
• Front torsion bar checks: measure ride height side‑to‑side, re‑index or adjust preload if it’s drooping, and inspect lower/upper arm bushes and ball joints. Don’t wind them up excessively—leave room for droop travel.
• Shocks and ancillary hardware: tired dampers make the Paj feel skittish, refresh bump stops, sway‑bar links and chassis bushes. After big trips, re‑torque U‑bolts and inspect for stone bruising and corrosion.

Considering a coil‑spring retrofit? It’s doable with custom engineering, but it’s not a bolt‑on job. It typically involves fabricated mounts, different trailing links, tuned coils and matched dampers, plus certification to stay road‑legal and insured. For many owners, a fresh set of quality leaf packs, bushes and shocks delivers the comfort and control they’re after—without the complexity.

FAQs

Does a 1989 Mitsubishi Pajero have coil springs?

No. Factory specifications for AU/NZ models list front torsion bars and a rear live axle on leaf springs. Coils came later with the second‑gen Pajero. If a 1989 example has coils, it’s almost certainly an aftermarket conversion.

Can coil springs be retrofitted to a 1989 Pajero?

Yes, but it requires custom fabrication, appropriate coils and shocks, and engineering certification. It’s a significant project. Many owners instead refresh the leaf packs and dampers to achieve better ride and handling with less hassle.

What suspension parts should be serviced on a 1989 Pajero?

Focus on rear leaf packs (including U‑bolts and bushes), front torsion bars (ride height and arm bushes), shocks, sway‑bar links, and bump stops. Regular inspections after off‑road work help maintain handling, tyre wear and comfort.