Parts for your 1999 Mitsubishi Pajero-Struts

1999 Mitsubishi Pajero: Are struts used, or not?

Short answer: struts aren’t used on the 1999 Mitsubishi Pajero. Technical sources including the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Workshop Manual (1997–1999, Suspension sections), the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue for NJ/NK/NL chassis, and ANZ parts catalogues from Monroe and KYB list separate shock absorbers with double wishbone front suspension (torsion bar on Gen 2) and rear coil-spring/live axle (Gen 2) or independent rear suspension on the very late 1999 changeover to NM. None of these configurations employ a structural MacPherson strut. Gregory’s and Haynes repair manuals for 1991–1999 models echo the same setup: shocks, not struts.

Here’s why the Pajero doesn’t use struts:

• Front design: the 1999 (Gen 2) Pajero runs a double wishbone front end with a torsion bar spring and a separate shock absorber. A MacPherson strut can’t coexist with a torsion bar setup because the spring medium on a strut is a coil over the damper, and the damper forms part of the load path. The Pajero’s damper is not a structural member.
• Off‑road priorities: double wishbones with separate shocks suit long wheel travel, strong bump control, and chassis durability—key traits for a 4x4 that actually goes bush. A strut tower would add packaging limits and change the load path into the body.
• Late 1999 NM models: even with the platform update that brought independent rear suspension, the front remained double wishbone with a coil-over shock absorber. It’s still a shock, not a MacPherson strut, because the upper control arm locates the hub—so the damper isn’t a structural locator.

Parts listings sometimes call the front damper a “strut” out of habit. For the 1999 Pajero, treat it as a shock absorber. If you’re servicing one, focus on shocks, upper and lower arm ball joints, bushes, sway bar links, torsion bar condition (Gen 2), rear coil springs and bushes, and a proper wheel alignment after any front-end work. If it’s pitching, wandering, or chopping tyres, the shocks are likely tired, most see best results replacing in pairs and checking the rest of the front-end hardware at the same time.

Popular questions

Does a 1999 Mitsubishi Pajero have struts or shocks up front?
It has shocks, not MacPherson struts. The front is double wishbone with a torsion bar (Gen 2) or coil-over shock (late 1999 NM), and the damper isn’t a structural locator like a strut. Catalogues from Mitsubishi and major shock brands list shock absorbers for this model year.

Can MacPherson struts be fitted to a 1999 Pajero?
No. The chassis and suspension geometry aren’t designed for strut towers, and the control arms already handle hub location. If you want an upgrade, look at quality shocks, appropriate springs (or torsion bar re-indexing on Gen 2), fresh bushes, and a proper alignment for your load and tyre size.

When should the shocks be replaced on a 1999 Pajero?
There’s no fixed kilometre rule, but many owners find 60–100,000 km is a good window depending on use. Signs they’re due: nose-diving under brakes, extra bounce after speed humps, wandering on corrugations, uneven tyre wear, or weeping oil from the shock body. Replace in axle pairs and inspect bushes, ball joints and mounts at the same time.