> What is the tool to use to remove the plug in the transmission?

From the Bus Depot on-line catalog:

Socket, 3/8", 17MM Allen/Hex Head, Transaxle Drain Plug, all Air-Cooled & Vanagon $3.55 part
# 38103

Forget all the tricks with bolts and 2-3 nuts welded together.  Just spend the $ and get it.  It works
great.

-Karl

Karl and Kristina Bloss, Trexlertown, PA
'87 Westfalia Weekender  "Beverley" - 192K miles
http://www.enter.net/~bloss/vw/
PA/NJ Vanagon owner's mailing list: http://www.enter.net/~bloss/vw/pavanagon/