Parts for your 1989 Mitsubishi Pajero-Gas struts

1989 Mitsubishi Pajero Gas Struts — What’s Fitted and What Isn’t

For the 1989 Mitsubishi Pajero (first generation, often coded L040/L049), factory gas struts weren’t used on the bonnet or the rear door. Technical references back this up: the Mitsubishi factory service manual for the Gen 1 Pajero shows a conventional bonnet stay (prop rod) rather than lift supports, and a side-hinged rear door with a mechanical check strap, not a gas-assisted lifter. The Mitsubishi ASA/CAPS electronic parts catalogue for this model lists a bonnet stay and back-door check hardware, with no OE “lift support” parts. General repair guides for 1980s Pajero/Montero models (e.g., Haynes/Max Ellery manuals) depict the same setup.

Why no gas struts from the factory? The Gen 1 Pajero’s design choices were about durability and off-road practicality:

• Bonnet: A simple steel prop rod is tough, cheap, and reliable in dusty, corrugated-road conditions with minimal maintenance.
• Rear door: The Pajero uses a heavy, side-hinged back door carrying the spare wheel. That layout relies on robust hinges and a check strap, gas struts aren’t ideal for controlling a long, side-swinging, weight-biased door.

Thinking about adding gas struts anyway? Plenty of owners retrofit bonnet strut kits. They make one-handed opening easy and keep the prop rod out of the way. Choose a kit designed for the 1982–1991 body shell so the brackets match existing holes, avoid drilling if you can. Check clearance with snorkels, aftermarket airboxes, and bull bars (the last few centimetres of travel can be tight if the strut geometry is off).

Basic care for retrofit struts is straightforward. Keep the shafts clean, wipe away grit with a soft cloth, and don’t lube the chrome rods—oils attract dust and can damage seals. Replace struts in pairs if the bonnet won’t hold its height, drops in cold weather, or opens sluggishly. If you’re frequently on washboard tracks or in coastal air, expect shorter service life and choose higher-quality, nitrogen-charged units with appropriate force ratings. When fitting, torque brackets properly and recheck fasteners after a few trips.

Rear door gas struts aren’t a factory thing on this model, if door control is the goal, some owners opt for upgraded check straps or specialty dampers designed for side-hinged doors. Always support the door safely while you’re experimenting—don’t trust a single old strut or a worn hinge to hold the lot.

Did the 1989 Mitsubishi Pajero come with factory gas struts?

No. The Gen 1 Pajero uses a bonnet prop rod and a side-hinged rear door with a mechanical check. Factory manuals and the Mitsubishi parts catalogue for 1989 list these components and no OE lift supports.

Can I retrofit gas struts to the bonnet?

Yes. Aftermarket bonnet strut kits are common for the 1982–1991 shell. Go for vehicle-specific brackets, check snorkel/bull bar clearances, and pick a force rating that holds the bonnet without over-stressing mounts.

Does the rear door use gas struts, and can one be added?

The rear door is side-hinged and didn’t use gas struts from factory. Some niche products act as dampers or enhanced check straps for side-swing doors, but they’re not the same as a top-hinged tailgate strut. If trying one, ensure it’s designed for side loads and the door’s weight with the spare fitted.