Parts for your 1992 Mitsubishi Pajero-Struts

1992 Mitsubishi Pajero — Struts or Not?

Short answer: struts aren’t used on the 1992 Mitsubishi Pajero. The V20-series Pajero (1991–1999) runs a rugged 4x4 suspension layout: a double-wishbone front end with torsion bars and separate shock absorbers, and a rear rigid/live axle with coil springs and separate shocks. That’s a very different setup to a MacPherson strut, which integrates the damper and spring into a single structural unit.

This isn’t guesswork. The Mitsubishi Pajero Factory Service Manual for the V20 chassis (Chassis/Front and Rear Suspension sections) specifies a double-wishbone, torsion-bar front suspension and a coil-sprung rigid rear axle with separate dampers. The Haynes Montero/Pajero 1983–1999 manual’s suspension chapter describes the same arrangement. Major parts catalogues for the 1992 Pajero (e.g., Mitsubishi ASA/CAPS and common shock absorber catalogues) list front and rear shock absorbers and torsion bars, but no strut assemblies or strut tops for this model year.

Why no struts? The Pajero’s design priorities were off‑road durability, ground clearance and wheel travel. A double‑wishbone with torsion bars up front offers strong control of camber through suspension travel and keeps the shock absorber out of harm’s way. Out back, the coil‑sprung live axle provides robust articulation and load carrying without relying on a strut tower to take structural loads. That layout also simplifies field service: shocks can be swapped independently of springs, and front ride height can be dialled in by adjusting torsion bars, handy for bull bars, winches or touring gear.

Owners looking to “replace struts” on a 1992 Pajero are really after shocks, bushes, ball joints and related hardware. If the ride’s bouncy, braking nose‑dives, or there’s cupping on the tyres, it’s time to inspect the dampers, front upper/lower ball joints, control arm bushes, sway bar links, steering tie‑rod ends and the rear trailing arm bushes. After any suspension work, a proper wheel alignment and front torsion‑bar ride‑height set to spec are must‑dos for good on‑road manners and even tyre wear.

• Technical sources referenced: Mitsubishi Pajero V20 Factory Service Manual (Chassis, Front/Rear Suspension), Haynes Mitsubishi Montero/Pajero 1983–1999 Repair Manual (Suspension & Steering), Mitsubishi ASA/CAPS parts catalogue and major shock absorber catalogues listing shocks (not struts) for 1992 Pajero.

Popular questions about 1992 Mitsubishi Pajero “struts”

Does a 1992 Pajero have struts or shocks?
It has shocks, not MacPherson struts. The front is double‑wishbone with torsion bars and separate dampers, and the rear is a coil‑sprung live axle with separate shocks.

Can strut assemblies from another model be fitted to a 1992 Pajero?
No. The chassis doesn’t have strut towers or mounts, and geometry, loads and clearances are completely different. Converting would be costly, compromise strength, and isn’t recommended for road legality or off‑road reliability.

What should be serviced instead of “struts” on a 1992 Pajero?
Inspect and replace worn shock absorbers, front upper/lower ball joints, control arm and trailing arm bushes, sway‑bar links, and steering tie‑rod ends. Set front torsion‑bar ride height to spec and get a wheel alignment to keep tyre wear even and the handling tidy.