Slave Saver Bracket, for Type 1 Swing Axle & IRS Trans

OVERVIEW

Precision-engineered for the dedicated air-cooled enthusiast, the EMPI Slave Saver Bracket is an essential upgrade for anyone running a hydraulic clutch system on a Type 1 transmission. When converting your Volkswagen to a hydraulic setup, the biggest enemy of longevity is mechanical binding. Standard rigid mounts often force the slave cylinder pushrod into awkward angles as the clutch arm swings through its arc, leading to premature seal failure, bent rods, and a spongy pedal feel. This heavy-duty bracket solves that engineering flaw by providing a rock-solid mounting point on the transmission side cover, specifically designed to accept a heim joint. By allowing the slave cylinder to pivot freely, you eliminate side-loading and ensure that every ounce of hydraulic pressure is converted into smooth, linear motion against the pressure plate. It''s the difference between a clutch that feels "notched" and one that provides professional-grade feedback and reliability.

Constructed from high-grade steel and finished to withstand the harsh environments of both daily street driving and extreme off-road abuse, this bracket is a staple for Baja bugs, sand rails, and high-performance street Beetles. It attaches directly to the side cover bolts of your Type 1 Swing Axle or IRS transmission, making it a bolt-on solution that requires no welding or permanent modifications to your precious magnesium or aluminum case. Whether you are running an EMPI, Racetrim, or CNC slave cylinder, this bracket serves as the foundation for the "Slave Saver" system. By moving the pivot point to a spherical rod end, you compensate for the natural arc of the release lever, significantly extending the life of your hydraulic components. Don''t let a simple mechanical bind leave you stranded on the trail or at the track; upgrade to the Slave Saver Bracket and experience the peace of mind that comes with a properly engineered drivetrain.

FITMENT

This bracket is designed for Volkswagen Type 1 transmissions and applications including:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1950 through 1977 (Sedan and Convertible).
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974.
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973 through 1974.
• Type 1 Transmissions: Both Swing Axle and IRS (Internal Release System) configurations.
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, Manx-style bodies, and Baja Bugs using Type 1 transaxles.
• Compatibility Note: Specifically designed to fit the factory-style side covers of the Type 1 gearbox.

SPECS

• Brand: EMPI.
• Part Number: 17-2814-0.
• Material: Heavy-gauge stamped and welded steel.
• Thread Pitch: 3/8-24 (Internal threads for heim joint installation).
• Mounting Location: Transmission Side Cover (Uses existing bolt holes).
• Application: Hydraulic Clutch Slave Cylinder Pivot Mount.
• Weight: Approximately 0.23 lbs.
• Finish: Zinc plated for corrosion resistance and durability.

PRO TIPS

Pro Tip 1: Match Your Heim Joint to Your Slave Cylinder. Not all slave cylinders are created equal. If you are using an EMPI or Racetrim slave cylinder, you must pair this bracket with the 17-2817-0 heim joint. However, if you are running a CNC brand slave cylinder, you will need the 17-2818-0 heim joint. Using the incorrect rod end can lead to incorrect geometry or thread mismatching, which defeats the purpose of the Slave Saver system. Always double-check your slave cylinder brand before final assembly.

Pro Tip 2: Check Frame Horn Clearance. On some tightly packaged off-road chassis or lowered street cars, the clearance between the transmission side cover and the frame horn can be minimal. Before tightening the side cover bolts, mock up the bracket with the slave cylinder attached to ensure that the assembly does not contact the frame during engine torque-over. If clearance is tight, you may need to slightly clearace the frame horn or use high-performance urethane trans mounts to limit engine movement and prevent the bracket from vibrating against the chassis.

Pro Tip 3: Lubricate the Spherical Bearing Periodically. While the Slave Saver Bracket is designed to be a "set it and forget it" part, the heim joint that threads into it is a wear item. Because the clutch area is often exposed to dust, sand, and road grime, we recommend applying a dry-film lubricant to the spherical bearing of the heim joint during your routine oil changes. This prevents grit from grinding away at the race of the bearing, ensuring that the pivot remains smooth and bind-free for years of operation. If you feel any "play" or clicking in the clutch pedal, inspect the heim joint for wear and replace it if necessary to maintain perfect alignment.