Parts for your 1991 Mitsubishi Pajero-Gas struts

1991 Mitsubishi Pajero Gas Struts — Are They Used?

For the 1991 Mitsubishi Pajero (second-generation V20 series), gas struts aren’t a factory-fitted item for the bonnet or the rear door. The bonnet uses a simple prop rod, and the rear is a side-hinged tailgate with a mechanical check/stop rather than a lift-up hatch that would normally require gas-charged supports.

This isn’t just hearsay. The 1991 Pajero/Montero Owner’s Manual shows the bonnet being supported by a prop rod, not struts. The factory Workshop Manual (Body section for Doors/Tailgate) details a side-hinged rear door with a check strap/stop, with no gas spring procedure listed. Likewise, Mitsubishi’s electronic parts catalogues for the V2/V3/V4 Pajero list a bonnet support rod and tailgate check components, but no gas struts for bonnet or rear door for that year/model range.

Why didn’t Mitsubishi use gas struts back then? It comes down to design and durability for off-road touring. A side-hinged tailgate carrying a spare wheel is better served by strong hinges and a robust check strap, while the bonnet prop rod is simple, tough, and keeps maintenance easy when you’re hundreds of kays from town. Plenty of owners have since added aftermarket bonnet strut kits, but those are retrofits rather than factory gear.

• Bonnet: supported by a prop rod (no OEM gas struts).
• Rear door: side-hinged tailgate with mechanical check/stop (no OEM gas lift supports).
• Aftermarket: bonnet strut conversion kits exist