Parts for your 1989 Mitsubishi Pajero-Struts

1989 Mitsubishi Pajero — Are struts used, or not?

For the 1989 Mitsubishi Pajero, struts aren’t part of the suspension design. Technical references including the 1989 Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Factory Service Manual (Suspension section), the Haynes Mitsubishi Montero 1983–1993 Repair Manual, and Gregory’s Pajero/Montero 1983–1991 Service and Repair Manual all outline a front independent double-wishbone layout with torsion bars and separate telescopic shock absorbers, plus a rear live axle with either coil springs (most wagons) or leaf springs (selected models), again with separate shocks. None of these factory or aftermarket sources specify a MacPherson-strut arrangement for this model year.

Why no struts? The Pajero is a body-on-frame 4x4 built for off-road punishment. A torsion-bar double-wishbone front lets Mitsubishi package the front differential and CV axles neatly while delivering strong wheel travel, solid camber control, and durability over corrugations and ruts. A separate shock absorber is simpler to service in the bush, and there’s no reliance on a tall strut tower in the body shell to carry suspension loads. Down the back, the live axle with coils or leaves naturally pairs with separate shocks, a strut simply isn’t the right architecture for a solid axle. For owners, that means you’ll be chasing shocks, ball joints, bushes and torsion-bar settings rather than “struts.”

Looking after a 1989 Pajero’s suspension is still straightforward. When the ride goes bouncy, it noses down under brakes, or it chatters over corrugations, the shocks are the first suspects. Oil mist on the shock body, dented casings, or perished upper and lower bushes are all signs it’s time for replacements. On the front, check torsion-bar sag (ride height side-to-side), upper and lower ball joints, and control arm bushes, on the rear, keep an eye on trailing arm/panhard rod bushes (coil models) or spring condition (leaf models). A post-replacement wheel alignment is a must after front-end work. Quality shocks matched to how the Pajero is used—touring, towing, or harder off-road—will keep tyres wearing evenly and the cabin settled over long Kiwi and Aussie kilometres.

• Inspect shocks every 20,000–30,000 km or before big trips.
• Check CV boots, steering rack ends, and sway-bar links while you’re there.
• After any suspension work, torque fasteners with the vehicle at normal ride height.

So, while people often search for “1989 Mitsubishi Pajero struts,” the correct parts to shop and service are shock absorbers and associated suspension components. That’s how this classic 4x4 was engineered to handle the rough stuff.

Popular questions

Does a 1989 Mitsubishi Pajero have struts?
No. It uses a double-wishbone front with torsion bars and separate shock absorbers, plus a rear live axle with separate shocks. Multiple manuals for this model year specify shocks rather than MacPherson struts.

What suspension does the 1989 Pajero use instead of struts?
Up front: independent double wishbones with torsion bars and telescopic shocks. Down back: a solid axle with coil springs (most wagons) or leaf springs (some variants), again with separate shocks. It’s a tough, serviceable setup suited to off-road work.

Can struts be retrofitted to a 1989 Pajero?
Practically, no. Converting a torsion-bar/double-wishbone chassis to struts would require structural towers, geometry changes, and certification. It’s far more sensible to upgrade to quality shocks and bushes matched to your use.