Parts for your 1990 Mitsubishi Pajero-Gas struts

1990 Mitsubishi Pajero gas struts — are they actually used?

Short answer: from factory, the 1990 Mitsubishi Pajero (Gen 1 L040/L140 series) didn’t use gas struts on common body openings. The bonnet uses a manual prop rod, and the rear is a side‑hinged back door with a check strap, not a liftgate that would need struts. This setup is confirmed in technical sources including the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Workshop Manual (Body—Hood and Back Door), the Mitsubishi ASA/CAPS parts catalogue for L040 series, and general repair guides such as the Haynes Pajero/Montero 1983–1996 manual. Those documents list a hood stay (prop rod) and a back‑door check strap, with no gas lifter/stay assemblies for 1990 build codes.

Why no gas struts? Mitsubishi engineered the first‑gen Pajero for tough, mixed use. A side‑hinged rear door copes well with off‑road angles and carries the spare tyre without overloading hinges at the roof. A simple bonnet prop rod is robust, cheap, and reliable in dusty and muddy conditions—no seals or nitrogen charge to fail in the middle of nowhere. At the time, this was standard practice across a lot of Japanese 4x4s.

There are a couple of edge cases. Certain aftermarket canopies, rear window conversions, or camper tops might add lift‑up glass that uses gas struts—but that’s accessory gear, not OEM body hardware on a 1990 Pajero. Likewise, bonnet gas‑strut kits exist as aftermarket upgrades, they’re convenient, but they’re not original equipment.

For servicing a 1990 Pajero where gas struts aren’t present, it’s worth focusing on the bits that do the same job:

• Bonnet prop rod: make sure the rod isn’t bent, the pivot is lubricated, and the clip holds it securely so it doesn’t rattle.
• Bonnet hinges and latch: clean, lube, and check alignment so the bonnet closes cleanly and doesn’t shimmy on corrugations.
• Back‑door hinges and check strap: inspect for play, cracked welds around the spare wheel mount, and make sure the door stay controls swing on slopes or in wind.
• Door seals: keep them clean and conditioned to stop dust and water ingress after off‑road use.

If fitting aftermarket gas struts (for the bonnet, typically), choose corrosion‑resistant hardware, match the force rating to the bonnet weight, and use brackets designed for the Pajero so you’re not stressing thin panel sections. Re‑torque fasteners after a few hundred kilometres and re‑check for fouling with snorkels, dual‑battery trays, or intercooler pipework.

FAQs

Did a 1990 Mitsubishi Pajero come with gas struts from the factory?
No. Factory documentation for the L040/L140 series shows a bonnet prop rod and a side‑hinged back door with a check strap, with no gas struts listed for those assemblies. Some later models and other vehicles use them, but not the ’90 Pajero as delivered.

Can gas struts be retrofitted to the bonnet on a 1990 Pajero?
Yes, aftermarket bonnet strut kits are available and can make life easier. Pick a kit specific to the model, ensure the force rating suits the bonnet (especially if it has insulation or accessories), and mount using reinforced brackets to avoid panel distortion. Periodically check for leaks and smooth operation.

What should be serviced instead of gas struts on a 1990 Pajero?
Focus on the bonnet prop rod, bonnet hinges and latch, and the back‑door hinges and check strap. Keep them clean and lubricated, check for wear or play, and make sure the back door opens and stays where it’s put—particularly important if the spare tyre is door‑mounted.