Mendeola 2D Rear Transmission Mount

OVERVIEW

When you are stepping up to a Mendeola 2D transaxle, you are moving into the big leagues of off-road performance and high-torque reliability. Standard mounts simply won''t cut it when you are pushing the limits of a high-horsepower air-cooled or water-cooled powerplant. This Mendeola 2D Rear Transmission Mount is the essential foundation for your fabrication project, designed to provide a rock-solid anchor point for your heavy-duty transaxle. Crafted from high-grade steel, this mount is engineered to withstand the brutal torsional loads and vibration common in desert racing, sand dunes, and aggressive trail riding. It provides the precise geometry needed to ensure your drivetrain remains properly aligned, preventing premature wear on CV joints and internal transmission components while transferring power efficiently to the ground.

At Appletree Automotive, we know that serious builds require professional-grade components that allow for custom integration. This fabrication mount is designed specifically for the Mendeola 2D case, offering a weld-on solution that integrates seamlessly into your custom chassis or modified IRS subframe. Whether you are building a dedicated sand rail, a high-performance Baja Bug, or a custom tube-chassis race car, this mount offers the durability and exact hole spacing required for a hassle-free installation. Because it arrives in raw steel, it is ready for your custom welding and finishing, allowing you to choose the exact placement and reinforcement needed for your specific vehicle architecture. Don''t compromise the integrity of your expensive Mendeola investment with a flimsy or makeshift bracket; choose a mount that matches the strength of your drivetrain.

FITMENT

This is a universal fabrication component designed specifically for vehicles equipped with a Mendeola 2D Transaxle. Common applications include:

• Custom Sand Rails and Dune Buggies: Ideal for long-travel chassis builds requiring high-strength mounting.
• Baja Bugs: For use in high-performance IRS conversions and tube-chassis rear clips.
• Off-Road Race Cars: Suitable for Class 5, Class 10, and other competitive air-cooled or water-cooled classes.
• Manx-Style Buggies: When upgraded with Mendeola drivetrains for extreme street or off-road use.
• Custom VW Transaxle Projects: Any custom vehicle utilizing the Mendeola 2D case pattern.

SPECS

Detailed technical specifications for the Mendeola 2D Rear Transmission Mount:

• Material: Heavy-duty Raw Steel.
• Transmission Compatibility: Mendeola 2D.
• Mounting Position: Rear.
• Overall Width: 15-1/8 inches.
• Overall Height: 3-1/2 inches.
• Upper Inner Hole Spacing: 10-1/8 inches.
• Upper Outer Hole Spacing: 9-7/8 inches.
• Outer Upper Hole Spacing: 14 inches.
• Outer Lower Hole Spacing: 14 inches.
• Installation Method: Welding Required.
• Finish: Raw (requires paint or powder coat after welding).
• Weight: 3.08 lbs.

PRO TIPS

1. Precision Alignment is Critical

Before you lay down your final beads of weld, ensure that the transmission is perfectly leveled and centered within the chassis. Even a slight tilt or offset can lead to accelerated wear on your constant velocity (CV) joints and create unwanted vibration throughout the drivetrain. We highly recommend using a dummy transmission case or a mockup block during the fabrication process to protect your actual Mendeola 2D from welding heat and splatter while ensuring the mount is positioned exactly where it needs to be for optimal axle geometry.

2. Prep the Steel for Superior Penetration

Because this mount arrives in raw steel, it may have a light coating of oil or surface oxidation to prevent rust during shipping. For the strongest possible bond to your chassis, use a flap disc or wire wheel to clean the mounting surfaces down to bright, bare metal. If you are welding this to a chromoly chassis, ensure you are using the correct filler rod and pre-heating techniques if necessary. A high-penetration TIG or MIG weld is essential here, as the rear mount takes the brunt of the torque load every time you drop the clutch.

3. Account for Hardware and Maintenance

Always use high-quality Grade 8 or better hardware when bolting your Mendeola 2D to this mount. During the fabrication phase, check for adequate clearance around the bolt heads to ensure you can get a socket or wrench on them once the car is fully assembled. After your first few outings in the dirt or sand, it is a "best practice" to re-torque these bolts and inspect the weld joints for any signs of stress or fatigue. A little bit of preventative maintenance goes a long way in protecting your high-end off-road drivetrain.