Parts for your 2023 Mitsubishi Triton-Struts

2023 Mitsubishi Triton struts: what’s actually fitted and what to service instead

The 2023 Mitsubishi Triton (MR series) is not fitted with MacPherson struts. Up front it runs a double-wishbone suspension with coil springs, a stabiliser bar and separate shock absorbers, down the back it uses a live axle with leaf springs and shock absorbers. That layout means the dampers aren’t structural members of the steering and suspension assembly, so they aren’t “struts” in the technical sense.

Technical sources that detail this include Mitsubishi’s ANZ specification guides for the 2023 Triton and the Mitsubishi L200/Triton workshop manual (MR series), both noting “front: double wishbone with coil spring and stabiliser bar, rear: leaf spring with shock absorber.” In automotive engineering, a strut (typically MacPherson) carries vehicle loads and locates the wheel, whereas a shock absorber in a double-wishbone setup only controls motion and doesn’t locate the hub/upright.

Why no struts on a Triton? As a ute designed for towing, payload and rough-road use, the Triton benefits from the strength, wheel travel and tuning flexibility of double wishbones up front and leaf springs in the rear. This setup copes better with varying loads, off‑road articulation and accessory weights than a strut tower arrangement would, and it avoids packaging compromises in the engine bay and chassis rails.

If an owner is searching for “struts” for a 2023 Triton, the correct service parts are shock absorbers (front and rear), coil springs (front), leaf springs (rear), and associated bushings, ball joints and mounts. Keeping those in good nick maintains ride, handling and tyre life.

• Inspection intervals: check shocks, springs, and bushes every 20,000–30,000 km or at each service if driving on corrugations, gravel or with a canopy/tray load.
• Signs it’s time: oil weeping on a shock body, cupped or scalloped tyre wear, excessive bouncing after speed humps, nose‑diving under brakes, or a chattery ride on corrugations.
• Replacement tips: replace shocks in axle pairs, choose valving to suit use (OEM, heavy‑duty, or tunable monotubes), and torque suspension bolts at normal ride height to avoid bush preload.
• After any front-end work, get a wheel alignment. If fitting lift springs, ensure matching shock lengths and check brake hose and ABS lead slack at full droop.

Referenced technical sources: Mitsubishi Motors Australia and New Zealand 2023 Triton specifications, Mitsubishi L200/Triton MR-series workshop manual front/rear suspension sections, standard engineering definitions distinguishing MacPherson struts from double‑wishbone shock-and-spring assemblies.

Popular questions

Does the 2023 Mitsubishi Triton have struts?
No. The 2023 Triton uses double wishbones with coil springs and separate shocks in the front, and leaf springs with shocks in the rear. Because the dampers don’t locate the wheel assembly, they’re not classed as struts.

What suspension does the 2023 Triton use and why?
It’s double wishbone front, leaf spring rear. This mix offers durability, load‑carrying, and wheel travel for Aussie and Kiwi conditions. It also packages well with a ladder frame and makes it easier to tune for towing, accessories and off‑road use.

When should Triton shocks be replaced?
There’s no fixed kilometre limit—usage matters. Many owners inspect at every service and plan replacements somewhere between 60,000 and 120,000 km, sooner with heavy loads or corrugations. Replace if they’re leaking, if the ute bounces excessively, or if tyre wear becomes uneven. Always replace in pairs and follow the workshop manual torque specs.