Parts for your 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero-Struts

1997 Mitsubishi Pajero — Struts, or Something Else?

Short answer: struts aren’t used on the 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero. Technical sources show the V20-series Pajero (1991–1999) runs a double-wishbone, torsion-bar independent front suspension with a separate shock absorber, and a coil-sprung live rear axle with separate shocks. There’s no MacPherson strut assembly at either end. References: Mitsubishi Pajero (V20) Factory Service Manual, Suspension section (1991–1999), Haynes Repair Manual, Mitsubishi Montero/Pajero 1983–1999, Gregory’s Service and Repair Manual, Mitsubishi Pajero 1991–1999, Mitsubishi ASA parts catalogue (suspension).

Why no struts on this rig? The Pajero’s chassis and off‑road brief favour components that handle big suspension travel and copping a hiding on corrugations. A strut combines the spring and damper into a structural unit, which is brilliant for packaging in cars, but less ideal for a body‑on‑frame 4x4 with a front diff, CVs and long travel needs. Mitsubishi’s torsion-bar and wishbone front end lets them tune ride height and alignment, maintain solid articulation, and keep the shock as a separate, easily serviceable damper.

• Travel and durability: Separate shocks and long wishbones offer better bump/rebound control for rough tracks.
• Packaging: More room for the front diff, axles and steering gear than a tall strut tower would allow.
• Adjustability: Torsion bars make ride-height trims straightforward after accessories or load changes.
• Serviceability: Shocks, bushes and ball joints can be replaced without disturbing a strut assembly.

What to service on a 1997 Pajero instead of “struts”:

• Shock absorbers (front and rear): look for oil weep, fade, cupped tyres, nose‑dive and extra body bounce.
• Front control arm bushes and ball joints: play or tearing shows up as shimmy, clunks or uneven tyre wear.
• Torsion bars and ride height: keep left/right height even, re‑align after any adjustment.
• Rear trailing arm and panhard rod bushes: worn bushes cause rear‑end steer and side‑to‑side wag.
• Sway bar links/bushes and bump stops: replace perished rubber, quietens knocks and sharpens handling.

Replacement tips the workshop will appreciate: replace shocks in axle pairs, choose quality 4x4-rated dampers (monotube or foam cell handle heat better on corrugations), torque bush bolts at normal ride height to avoid preloading, and always book a wheel alignment after front‑end work or ride‑height changes. When ordering, ask for “front/rear shock absorbers for 1997 Pajero (V20)” rather than “struts” to dodge mix‑ups.

• Does a 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero have struts?
  No. It uses separate shock absorbers with a torsion‑bar/double‑wishbone front end and a coil‑sprung live rear axle.
• Can struts from another model be fitted to a 1997 Pajero?
  Not practically. The chassis and suspension design were never set up for MacPherson struts, so there’s no strut tower or compatible geometry.
• What are the signs the Pajero’s shocks need replacing?
  Extra bounce after speedhumps, nose‑dive under braking, floaty handling on the motorway, corrugation fade off‑road, oil leaks on the shock body and uneven tyre wear.