Parts for your 1990 Mitsubishi Pajero-Struts

1990 Mitsubishi Pajero struts — do they exist on this model?

Short answer: no, the 1990 Mitsubishi Pajero doesn’t use MacPherson struts. Technical references including the Mitsubishi Pajero Factory Service Manual (1989–1991, Group 33—Suspension), the Haynes Mitsubishi Montero/Pajero Repair Manual (1983–1999, Suspension & Steering), and Mitsubishi’s ASA electronic parts catalogue show a front double‑wishbone independent suspension with torsion bars and separate shock absorbers, and a rear live axle with either coils (most long‑wheelbase) or leaf springs (some short‑wheelbase), again with separate shock absorbers. There’s no strut assembly listed for this platform.

Why no struts? The Pajero of this era is a ladder‑frame 4x4 built for heavy off‑road work. MacPherson struts are a structural spring/damper unit that also locates the hub, common on lighter unibody cars. The Pajero’s front double‑wishbone with torsion bars gives strong control of wheel geometry, better articulation and durability under load, while the rear live axle with coils or leaves prioritises strength and travel. With shocks mounted separately, the suspension can cop corrugations, towing and rough tracks without relying on a tall strut tower like a passenger car would.

If someone’s chasing “struts” for a 1990 Pajero, they almost certainly need shock absorbers or other suspension wear items. For routine servicing and to keep it tracking straight and riding nicely, it’s worth checking the following:

• Front: shock absorbers (leaks, fade), upper/lower ball joints, control arm bushes, torsion bar condition and ride height set‑up, sway‑bar links and bushes, steering idler arm, pitman arm and tie‑rod ends.
• Rear: shock absorbers, coil or leaf spring condition and bushes, panhard rod and trailing arm bushes (coil models), U‑bolts and shackles (leaf models).
• General: wheel alignment after front‑end work, uneven tyre wear, clunks over bumps, and excessive bounce after corrugations. Off‑road and towing use can shorten service life, so many owners refresh shocks around 80,000–120,000 km depending on use.

Bottom line: there are no MacPherson struts on a 1990 Pajero. Focus on quality shocks, healthy bushes and joints, and correct torsion‑bar height, and it’ll feel planted on the highway and sure‑footed on the tracks.

FAQs

Does a 1990 Mitsubishi Pajero have struts?
No. It uses a front double‑wishbone torsion‑bar setup with separate shock absorbers, and a rear live axle with coils or leaf springs plus separate shocks. There’s no MacPherson strut assembly on this model.

What should be serviced or replaced instead of “struts” on a 1990 Pajero?
Look to shock absorbers, ball joints, control arm and sway‑bar bushes, torsion‑bar ride height, and steering components (idler, pitman, tie‑rods). At the rear, check shocks, spring condition and all related bushes.

How often should shocks be replaced on a 1990 Pajero?
There’s no fixed interval, but many owners find 80,000–120,000 km is typical. Heavy towing, corrugations and off‑road work can bring that forward. Signs include bouncing, nose‑diving under brakes, floaty handling and uneven tyre wear.