Parts for your 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero-Struts

1998 Mitsubishi Pajero: Are struts used, or not?

Short answer: a 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero doesn’t use MacPherson struts. This model (V20/V25 series) runs a double‑wishbone front end with torsion bars and separate shock absorbers, and a coil‑sprung rear axle with separate shocks. That’s confirmed by the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero V20 Workshop Manual (front suspension section), the KYB and Monroe AU/NZ catalogues listing “shock absorbers” rather than struts for this year, and Gregory’s Pajero 1991–2002 service manual. The Mitsubishi ASA parts catalogue also shows front shocks and torsion bars, but no strut assemblies.

Why no struts? The Pajero’s chassis and off‑road brief favour a double‑wishbone layout. Torsion bars let owners fine‑tune front ride height for load or barwork, while keeping strong control‑arm geometry for durability, travel and approach clearance. A MacPherson strut carries lateral loads through a tower in the body, on a ladder‑frame 4x4 like the ’98 Pajero, that would add packaging compromises around the front diff and CVs, limit travel, and reduce camber control under heavy articulation. Separate shocks also simplify service in the bush and allow easy upgrades for touring or towing.

So while “struts” aren’t a thing on this Pajero, there’s plenty that can and should be serviced to keep it riding sweet and tracking straight.

• Front: shock absorbers, upper/lower ball joints, control arm bushes, torsion bars and adjusters, sway‑bar links/bushes.
• Rear: shock absorbers, trailing arm/panhard bushes, coil springs and seats, sway‑bar hardware.

Tell‑tales it’s time for work include a bouncy or floaty feel, nose‑dive under braking, cupped or uneven tyre wear, clunks over corrugations, and oil misting on the shocks. Many drivers find shocks are due anywhere from 80,000–120,000 km depending on loads and outback use. After front‑end work or ride‑height changes, a proper wheel alignment is a must. For touring, heavy‑duty shocks matched to your typical load make a noticeable difference, and fresh bushes can tighten steering feel. Always follow the workshop manual for torque specs and alignment settings.

Technical sources referenced: Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero V20 Series Workshop Manual (1997–1999), KYB AU/NZ shock absorber catalogue, Monroe AU catalogue, Gregory’s Manual – Mitsubishi Pajero 1991–2002, Mitsubishi ASA parts catalogue.

• Does a 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero have struts?
  No. It uses double‑wishbone front suspension with torsion bars and separate shocks, plus a coil‑sprung rear axle with separate shocks. There are no MacPherson strut assemblies on this model year.
• What should be replaced instead of struts on a 1998 Pajero?
  Focus on shocks, ball joints, control arm bushes, sway‑bar links/bushes, torsion bar condition and height settings, and rear suspension bushes. Replace worn shocks and get a wheel alignment after any front‑end work.
• Can struts be retrofitted to a 1998 Pajero?
  Not practically. The chassis lacks strut towers and the geometry is built for double wishbones. Custom conversions need fabrication and certification, most owners simply upgrade shocks and, if needed, torsion bars and springs.