Parts for your 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero-Shock absorbers

1998 Mitsubishi Pajero Shock Absorbers — what they do and when to replace them

Shock absorbers are absolutely fitted to the 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero. Technical references including the Mitsubishi Motors Pajero/Montero Workshop Manual for the 1991–1999 (V2/V3/V4/V5/V6/V7) series — Group 33: Suspension and Group 27: Chassis — as well as common parts catalogues from KYB, Monroe, Bilstein and Old Man Emu, list telescopic hydraulic/gas shock absorbers front and rear. These sources also note a double-wishbone, torsion-bar front end with shocks, and a coil-sprung live rear axle with shocks, some trims of this era offered driver-selectable shock damping (soft/medium/hard) via in-cabin switches per the factory Owner’s Manual.

On a 1998 Pajero, the shock absorbers keep the tyres planted, tame body movement and help the ABS and suspension do their job on corrugations, towing runs and city commutes. They control bounce after bumps, reduce nose-dive under brakes, and calm body roll in corners — which means better grip, shorter stopping distances and less fatigue on long Kiwi and Aussie roads.

They’re consumable items. A good rule of thumb is to inspect them every 20,000–30,000 kilometres and expect replacement somewhere around 80,000–120,000 kilometres, sooner if the Pajero sees heavy loads, rough tracks, beach work or corrugations. Technicians look for oil misting or leaks, dented housings, perished bushes, loose mounts, uneven tyre wear and that “floaty” feel. The old-school bounce test (push down firmly on a corner and release) shouldn’t see it oscillate more than once.

When it’s time to replace, doing both shocks on the same axle keeps handling balanced. On the Gen-2 Pajero the front torsion bars handle ride height, with shocks controlling damping, so fitment is straightforward with proper support and care. Best practice includes:

• Torque rubber-bushed mounts at normal ride height to avoid bush twist.
• Check and replace worn top/bottom bushes and hardware.
• Have a wheel alignment checked after front shock replacement.
• If equipped with electronic/adjustable shocks, reconnect and test actuators.
• Recheck fasteners after the first 100–200 km.

Choosing the right shock is about how the Pajero is used. Quality gas-pressurised twin-tube units suit daily driving, heavy-duty or monotube options from reputable brands shine for towing, camping loads or touring. Keeping boots and stone shields intact, washing off salt and mud, and addressing squeaks or clunks early will help the shocks go the distance and keep the big Mitsubishi feeling planted and predictable.

Popular questions about 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero shock absorbers

How often should the shocks be replaced on a 1998 Pajero?
Most see 80,000–120,000 kilometres, but rough roads, towing and accessory weight can shorten that. If there’s oil leakage, excessive bounce, uneven tyre wear, or nose-dive and float, it’s time regardless of kilometres. Regular inspections every service or 20,000–30,000 km are smart.

Do worn shocks affect a WOF in NZ or a Roadworthy (RWC) in Australia?
Yes. Visible leaks, insecure mounts or severely reduced damping can cause a fail. Even if it squeaks through, tired shocks hurt braking stability and grip, so replacing them is a safety upgrade as well as a compliance fix.

Did the 1998 Pajero come with adjustable shocks?
Some higher-spec models of this era offered driver-selectable damping (soft/medium/hard). If fitted, ensure the actuators and wiring are intact when replacing shocks, or choose compatible replacements. Many Pajeros use conventional non-adjustable shocks, which are perfectly fine for everyday and touring duties.