Parts for your 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero-Strut mounts

1996 Mitsubishi Pajero: are strut mounts used on this model?

Short answer: no — the 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero (Gen 2, NH–NL/V20 series) doesn’t use MacPherson struts, so there are no strut mounts on this vehicle. The front suspension is independent double wishbone with torsion bars and separate shock absorbers, and the rear uses a coil-sprung live axle (or multi-link coil on some variants) with separate shocks. In these layouts the shock absorber is not a structural strut and therefore doesn’t require a strut top mount.

Technical references that document this include:

• Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero/Shogun Workshop Manual (V20 series, circa 1991–1999): Group 33 (Front Suspension) specifies double wishbone with torsion bars and separate dampers, Group 34 (Rear Suspension) details coil-sprung axle/multi-link with separate dampers.
• Haynes Repair Manual for Mitsubishi Montero/Pajero (early 1990s–late 1990s coverage): front suspension described as double wishbone torsion-bar IFS with stand-alone shock absorbers, not MacPherson struts.
• Major shock absorber catalogues (e.g., KYB/Monroe) list shock absorbers and shock bushes for this model, with no strut or strut-top mount listings for 1996 Pajero variants.

Why no strut mounts? In a MacPherson strut setup, the strut acts as both the damper and a load-bearing steering/suspension member, so it needs a purpose-built strut top mount in the tower. The Pajero’s double wishbone design uses upper and lower control arms to carry chassis and cornering loads, while a separate shock absorber simply controls spring movement. The shock’s upper fixing is a bushed stud/eye that isn’t a structural “strut top”, so a strut mount isn’t part of the system.

What owners should look at instead: if there are clunks, vibration, or vague steering that might make someone think “strut tops”, the usual suspects on a ’96 Pajero are:

• Front shock absorber upper and lower bushes and washers
• Upper and lower control arm bushes and ball joints
• Torsion bar condition and ride height setting
• Rear shock bushes, panhard rod bushes, and trailing arm bushes
• Steering links and idler/pitman arm wear

During regular servicing, it’s worth checking for perished shock bushes, oil seepage from the dampers, uneven tyre wear, and any free play at the control arms and steering links. Replacing tired bushes and shocks will usually restore ride and handling far more effectively than chasing non-existent strut mounts.

Popular questions about 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero “strut mounts”

Does a 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero have strut mounts?
No. The ’96 Pajero uses double wishbone front suspension with torsion bars and separate shocks, and coil-sprung rear suspension with separate shocks. Because there are no MacPherson struts, there are no strut mounts fitted.

What should be replaced if I’m hearing a top-end suspension knock?
Start with the front shock absorber bushes and washers, then check upper/lower control arm bushes and ball joints. At the rear, look at shock bushes, panhard rod and trailing arm bushes. These are common wear points that can mimic a “strut top” knock.

Can I convert a 1996 Pajero to use struts?
It’s not practical. The chassis, towers, and geometry are designed for double wishbones and torsion bars. Aftermarket upgrades typically focus on quality shocks, fresh bushes, and appropriate torsion bar/coil spring choices rather than strut conversions.