Transmission Padded Support Kit, Rear Section Only

OVERVIEW

When you''re dropping the clutch or navigating demanding off-road terrain, your air-cooled VW''s transaxle is under immense pressure. Standard factory mounts were designed for modest horsepower and smooth city streets, but they often fall short in high-performance or heavy-duty applications. The EMPI Transmission Padded Support Kit (Rear Section Only) is engineered to bridge that gap by providing a secondary layer of structural integrity to your drivetrain. By firmly encompassing the transmission case and securing it to the frame horns, this kit effectively eliminates the dreaded "wheel hop" and excessive transaxle twist that can lead to cracked nose cones or catastrophic case failure. Whether you are running a high-torque stroker engine or just want a more planted feel during gear changes, this rear support strap is an essential upgrade for any serious enthusiast.

What sets this EMPI kit apart from basic solid straps is its thoughtful padded design. While rigid metal-to-metal supports can transmit unbearable vibration and "gear whine" directly into the cabin, this kit utilizes high-density rubber insulation to dampen harmonic resonance while still maintaining maximum rigidity. It provides the perfect balance for a street-driven Beetle or a rugged Dune Buggy, ensuring that your chassis stays quiet without sacrificing the mechanical strength needed to keep your drivetrain aligned. This "Rear Section Only" kit is designed to complement your existing front mount and can be seamlessly integrated with either stock rubber mounts for a smoother ride or heavy-duty urethane mounts for maximum torque control. It is a cost-effective insurance policy against frame horn flex and a must-have for anyone looking to prolong the life of their Type 1 transaxle.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle: All Years (Swingaxle & IRS)
• Volkswagen Type 1 Super Beetle: All Years
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: All Years
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Notchback, Squareback, Fastback): All Years
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): All Years
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: All models utilizing a Type 1 Transaxle and standard frame horns
• Baja Bugs: Ideal for high-impact off-road use

SPECS

• Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: 00-9532-0
• Component: Rear Support Section Only
• Material: Heavy-duty stamped steel construction
• Finish: Corrosion-resistant Zinc plating
• Insulation: High-density vibration-dampening rubber pads
• Hardware: Includes all necessary bolts, nuts, and mounting straps
• Function: Prevents transaxle rotation and frame horn deflection
• Compatibility: Works with stock or aftermarket urethane transmission mounts

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Achieve Perfect Alignment Before Final Torquing

When installing the EMPI Rear Support Kit, it is critical that you do not tighten the bolts completely until the transmission is sitting naturally in its primary mounts. Start by loosely assembling the straps around the frame horns and the transmission case. Lower the vehicle or jack so the weight of the drivetrain is fully supported by the main nose cone and mid-mounts. Once the transaxle is "settled," then proceed to tighten the support kit hardware. This ensures you aren''t pre-loading the case or pulling the transmission out of alignment, which can cause premature wear on your shift linkage and internal bearings.

Tip 2: Inspect Your Frame Horns for Stress Cracks

Before bolting on this performance support, take a moment to thoroughly clean and inspect your chassis frame horns, especially near the shock towers and the area where they meet the torsion housing. High-performance engines often cause these areas to flex and crack over time. If you find any hairline fractures, they should be welded and reinforced before installing this kit. The EMPI support will help prevent future damage, but it cannot "fix" a frame that has already lost its structural integrity. Adding this kit to a healthy frame significantly increases the longevity of the entire rear sub-structure.

Tip 3: Pair with Urethane Mounts for Maximum Performance

If your goal is maximum power transfer to the ground, we highly recommend pairing this rear support kit with a set of high-quality urethane transmission mounts. While the rubber padding in the 00-9532-0 kit handles the vibration dampening, urethane main mounts provide the stiffness needed to keep the engine and transaxle from rocking under heavy load. This combination is the "gold standard" for street/strip Volkswagens, offering a crisp shifting experience and eliminating the "mushy" feeling often associated with old, oil-soaked factory rubber mounts. Always check your mounting hardware after the first 500 miles of spirited driving to ensure everything has remained seated and tight.