Parts for your 2005 Mitsubishi Pajero-Struts

2005 Mitsubishi Pajero Struts: What’s Fitted and What to Service Instead

Based on technical documentation, struts aren’t used on the 2005 Mitsubishi Pajero. The Mitsubishi Pajero NM/NP series Service Manual (2000–2006, Group 33 – Front/Rear Suspension) specifies a double wishbone front suspension and an independent multi-link rear, each corner using separate coil springs and shock absorbers. The Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue lists “shock absorber” components—not MacPherson strut assemblies—for this model year. Major AU/NZ parts catalogues from Monroe and KYB do the same, supplying shocks (dampers) rather than strut cartridges or complete strut housings. That’s why “Pajero struts” searches often point back to shock absorbers.

Why no struts on a 2005 Pajero? The double wishbone and multi-link layout gives better camber control, durability and packaging for a full-time 4WD with independent suspension. A MacPherson strut makes the damper a structural member between the body and the steering knuckle, which suits many passenger cars. For the Pajero’s off-road brief—ground clearance, long travel, and robust geometry—the separate spring-and-shock approach is the go, and it’s what Mitsubishi engineered and documented in the factory manuals.

So, if the goal is a tidy, safe ride and proper tyre contact, owners should focus on shocks and related hardware rather than “struts.” Key items worth attention during servicing include:

• Front and rear shock absorbers (check for oil seepage, dents, or faded damping)
• Coil springs (look for sagging or uneven ride height)
• Upper/lower control arm bushes and ball joints up front, rear multi-link bushes
• Sway bar (stabiliser) links and bushes, front and rear
• Shock top and lower mounts/bushes

Tell-tale signs that the Pajero’s shocks are tired include cupped or feathered tyres, excess bouncing over corrugations, nose-dive under braking, vague steering on the highway, and clunks over potholes. In Aussie and Kiwi conditions—towing, touring and gravel work—shocks can lose their edge earlier than in city-only use. Inspection at each service is smart, many owners refresh shocks somewhere around the 80,000–120,000 km mark, sooner if it’s been living on corrugations.

When replacing, it’s good practice to do shocks in axle pairs, get a wheel alignment afterwards, and torque suspension fasteners at normal ride height. For outback work, heavy-duty 4x4-rated monotube or twin-tube shocks handle heat and repeated hits better, for mostly urban duty, OE-equivalent shocks keep things comfy and controlled. Either way, stick with shock absorbers for this model—complete “strut” assemblies aren’t part of the Pajero’s suspension design.

• Does a 2005 Mitsubishi Pajero have struts?
  It doesn’t. The 2005 Pajero runs double wishbone front and independent multi-link rear suspension with separate coil springs and shock absorbers, as outlined in the Mitsubishi NM/NP Service Manual and reflected in AU/NZ parts catalogues.
• What should be replaced if someone says the Pajero’s “struts” are worn?
  They’ll be talking about the shock absorbers. Replace the front and/or rear shocks, and inspect springs, control arm bushes, ball joints, and sway bar links while you’re there.
• Can MacPherson struts be retrofitted to a 2005 Pajero?
  Not practically. It would require major re-engineering of suspension pick-up points and steering knuckles. For upgrades, choose quality 4x4 shocks and suitable springs rather than attempting a strut conversion.