The Mitsubishi Minicab is the quiet workhorse of the kei-truck world — powered by the famously durable 3G83 engine that Mitsubishi ran, almost unchanged, for two decades. If you own one or you're shopping for one, the key to ordering the right part is knowing your chassis code: U41, U42, U61, U62 and friends. Here's the plain-English guide to reading yours.
What makes the Minicab special
The Minicab is a simple, honest cab-over mini truck, and its calling card is the 3G83 engine — a 660cc three-cylinder that proved so reliable Mitsubishi kept using it across generation after generation. One nice quirk: the passenger van version carries its own name, the Bravo. For a parts buyer, the long 3G83 run is great news — it means shared, well-understood maintenance parts across a huge span of years.
The generations US owners see most
These are the 25-year-eligible Minicab trucks you're most likely to import. Reading the code is easy once you know the pattern: U4x = 5th gen, U6x = 6th gen, the digit before the letter is drive (1 = 2WD, 2 = 4WD), and the final letter is body (T = truck, V = van).
| Years | Truck codes (2WD / 4WD) | Engine | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991–1999 | U41T / U42T | 3G83 657cc | Belt |
| 1999–2014 | U61T / U62T | 3G83 660cc | Belt |
So a U42T is a 1990s 4WD truck, while a U62T is the later 4WD truck — same engine family, different generation. The van/Bravo versions use the matching "V" codes (U41V, U61V, and so on).
The timing belt is the priority job
Here's the one every Minicab owner should know: the 3G83 uses a rubber timing belt, and it's an interference engine. That means if the belt snaps, the pistons and valves can collide and cause expensive internal damage — this isn't a "limp home" failure. Mitsubishi ran the 3G83 for twenty-plus years, so a lot of imported Minicabs are still on old, high-hour belts. If you don't have paperwork proving when the timing belt was last changed, put it at the top of your list. It's cheap insurance against a very expensive surprise.
Keeping your Minicab happy
The Minicab is inexpensive and simple to maintain, and most imports are due for a refresh just because of their age. Start with the wear items:
- Filters — oil and fuel filters are the cheapest way to keep the 3G83 running clean.
- Belts — accessory belts dry out and squeal with age; we stock alternator, A/C and power-steering belts by chassis code.
- Timing belt — the big one on the 3G83; don't gamble on an unknown-age belt.
- Ignition & cooling — fresh plugs and ignition parts smooth out running, and thermostats/hoses keep temps down.
How to tell which Minicab you have
Find the chassis code on the ID plate (usually in the engine bay) and the chassis number stamped into the body — often under the seat. Read it as: U4x = 5th gen, U6x = 6th gen, the digit before the letter = drive (1 = 2WD, 2 = 4WD), final letter = body (T = truck, V = van). Need a hand? Our guide to finding your kei truck's chassis number shows you exactly where to look.
Get the right Minicab parts
We stock genuine OEM and quality aftermarket parts for the Mitsubishi Minicab — imported from Japan and shipped fast from our USA warehouse. Browse the full Mitsubishi Minicab parts collection, and if you're not sure exactly which model you've got, send us your chassis number (U42T, U62T…) or a photo of the plate at scott@keiimportparts.com and we'll match the right part the first time. New to kei upkeep? Our kei truck tune-up guide covers the basics for every brand.