Parts for your 1995 Mitsubishi Pajero-Struts

1995 Mitsubishi Pajero struts — are they actually a thing on this model?

For the 1995 Mitsubishi Pajero (second generation), “struts” aren’t part of the suspension design. Technical sources including the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Workshop Manual (1991–1999, Suspension section), the Haynes Mitsubishi Montero/Pajero Repair Manual (1983–1999), and the Mitsubishi ASA parts catalogue all detail a front double‑wishbone independent suspension with torsion bars and separate shock absorbers, and a rear live axle with multi‑link and coil springs (or leaf springs on some base or commercial variants), again with separate shocks. No MacPherson struts are specified or listed for this year’s Pajero.

Why no struts? The Pajero’s off‑road brief favoured a tough, long‑travel setup. Up front, torsion bars with double wishbones give solid ground clearance, strong control of camber through travel, and easy ride‑height adjustment. At the back, the coil‑sprung live axle (or leafs on some models) is rugged and predictable on corrugations and rough tracks. In both cases, the shock absorber is a standalone damper, not a structural strut supporting the vehicle’s weight or acting as a steering pivot, which is what a MacPherson strut does.

If someone’s asking for “struts” on a 1995 Pajero, they almost certainly mean shock absorbers. That’s the correct service item to chase, along with the rest of the suspension consumables that cop a hiding on Aussie and Kiwi roads.

What to service instead of “struts” on a 1995 Pajero:

• Shock absorbers: look for oil weeping, fading on corrugations, excessive bounce, nose‑diving under brakes, or rear‑end wallow.
• Front control arm bushes and ball joints: play or split boots will affect alignment and tyre wear.
• Torsion bars: check for sagging ride height and set correct preload, align afterwards.
• Rear trailing arm and panhard rod bushes: perished bushes cause clunks and rear steer.
• Sway bar links and bushes: common source of knocks over small bumps.
• Bump stops and top mounts: replace if cracked or perished.

Good practice is to replace shocks in axle pairs, choose quality units matched to how the Pajero’s driven (touring, towing, off‑road), and get a wheel alignment after front‑end work or torsion bar adjustment. Tyre pressures and rotations matter too, a fresh set of shocks won’t mask under‑inflated or cupped tyres.

FAQs

Does a 1995 Mitsubishi Pajero have struts?
No. The 1995 Pajero runs double‑wishbone front suspension with torsion bars and separate shock absorbers, and a rear live axle with coils (or leafs on some variants) plus separate shocks. There are no MacPherson struts fitted from factory, as confirmed by workshop manuals and parts catalogues.

What should be replaced instead of “struts” on this Pajero?
Replace the shock absorbers if they’re leaking or the ride’s bouncy, and inspect front control arm bushes, ball joints, sway bar links, rear trailing arm and panhard bushes, and bump stops. Set front ride height via torsion bar adjustment and finish with a proper alignment.

Can I convert a 1995 Pajero to struts?
Not practically. A strut conversion would require major structural redesign of the front suspension and chassis pick‑ups. For better on‑ and off‑road performance, stick with quality shocks, fresh bushes, and (if needed) uprated torsion bars and springs that suit your load and terrain.