Parts for your 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero-Gas struts

1997 Mitsubishi Pajero gas struts – what’s actually fitted

For the 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero (Gen 2), factory gas struts aren’t used on the bonnet or the rear door. Technical references including the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue for Gen 2 Pajero models (V2–V6 series), the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero 1991–1999 workshop manual (Body section), and independent manuals such as Haynes/Gregory’s confirm a bonnet prop rod is specified, and the rear door is a side-hinged design with a mechanical check strap/damper assembly—not a liftgate with gas stays.

That design choice makes sense for a bush-ready 4x4. The side-opening rear door carries the spare wheel and is heavy, a robust hinge and check mechanism is more durable off-road than a pair of gas lift supports. Likewise, the bonnet’s simple prop rod is reliable, cheap to service, and hard to kill with dust, mud and corrugations—perfect for Aussie and Kiwi conditions. While some later SUVs with top-hinged tailgates use gas struts, the ’97 Pajero’s body layout just doesn’t call for them from factory.

Owners may stumble across aftermarket bonnet-strut kits sold for convenience, and there are also retrofits that add a soft-open damper to the rear door. Those are add-ons rather than original equipment. If fitted, they should be treated like any gas stay: keep the shafts clean, don’t force them closed, and replace in pairs when they lose pressure.

• Where gas struts aren’t used from factory: bonnet, rear (side-hinged) door.
• What’s fitted instead: bonnet prop rod, rear door hinge with mechanical check strap/damper.
• When gas struts might appear: aftermarket bonnet kits or custom rear door dampers.

Referencing: Mitsubishi ASA EPC (Gen 2 Pajero body/hood sections list prop rod and rear door check strap), Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero 1991–1999 Workshop Manual (Body & Trim), and Gregory’s/Haynes Pajero manuals for the same era all describe the prop-rod bonnet and side-hinged rear door without gas lift stays.

Popular questions about 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero gas struts

Does a 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero have gas struts on the tailgate or bonnet?
No. From factory, the ’97 Pajero uses a bonnet prop rod and a side-hinged rear door with a check strap/damper. There are no OEM gas lift supports on those panels.

Can gas struts be retrofitted to a 1997 Pajero?
Yes, aftermarket bonnet-strut kits exist and make one-handed opening easier. They’re not Mitsubishi parts, so quality varies—pick stainless hardware where possible and follow the kit’s torque specs. Rear door gas struts aren’t typical because the door is side-hinged, but some owners add a small damper to soften the swing.

What should be maintained instead of gas struts on this model?
Keep the bonnet prop pivot lightly lubricated and straight, and ensure the prop clip holds it securely. On the rear door, inspect the hinge pins, check strap and any damper for wear, play or leaks. If the door starts to swing too freely or binds, address it before it stresses the hinges.