I used the BD tool and it worked quite well.  I had created a tool out of a
bolt and nut, but it didn't work.  Plug was wa-a-ay too tight.  I wound up
using the following:

BD 17mm tool
3/8" Craftsman ratchet
3 ton floor jack
18" 2x4 with a V-shaped notch cut in one end.

No, I didn't use the floor jack to lift the van to gain access.  I used it
to lower the van onto the ratchet which was supported by the 2x4.  It took
the entire weight of the van to loosen the plug; it had to be jacked up and
lowered about five times (one click at a time) till I could actually turn
the ratchet by hand.

BTW, I've heard some on the list bad-mouthing Craftsman tools.  The ratchet
still works fine.

Karl Wolz
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jeff and Tamara Nelson" <ramjeff@EARTHLINK.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, January 14, 2001 12:01 PM
Subject: Re: allen wrench for gear oil change

> Ditto that.
>
> I have the tool from the BD and while it is as advertised I never used
> it.  Opted instead for a 17 mm hex from Sears.  Perhaps because I have a
> syncro or perhaps I was nervous about the rounded edge of the BD tool
> not seating well and slipping in the somewhat shallow drain plug.
>
> JN
>
> Rico Sapolich wrote:
> >
> > In a message dated 1/14/01 11:51:42 AM, azsun99@EARTHLINK.NET writes:
> >
> > << Once again, the best tool is available and cheap >>
> >
> > Jerry,
> >
> > Because it is such a relative matter, you cannot use the superlative to
> > describe the tool about which you speak.  Is it best to wait a week or
more
> > to receive a Chinese tool of dubious quality or is it best to hack off
an
> > inch of fine American steel and get on with the job?  Moreover, the 17
mm hex
> > driver cannot be used to remove a Syncro's transmission drain plug
unless the
> > skidrails cum bashplate are first dropped.  Like I said, it is all
relative.
> >
> > Rich
>