What you need is a 17mm Allen wrench. In a pinch you can bolt a 17mm bolt
and some 17mm nuts together and turn it with a 17mm socket but getting them
jammed so as not to unravel is the challenge.
I have in my toolbox a piece of 17mm Allen wrench chopped off at 50mm. That
side plug is real hard to get to and way up there so the shortest tool
possible is the best.

Prepare yourself with clear vinyl tubing for the process. The plug is above
the shifter rod on the passenger side. It may be obscured by caked on dirt.

I used Red Line oil 3 years ago and have had no problems. If you live near a
large city I'd recommend getting red Line.

-- Gnarlie

Entity Ahlgrim, Kevin L spoke thus:

> Hi all, went and drain the tranny fluid out of my 82 Diesel manual
> transmission and it was looking pretty bad so was glad I was changing it.
> Went to find the plug to add the new fluid and couldn't find the plug, what
> the heck???  I've been using a Rabbit diesel manual for engine repairs so of
> course this isn't covered in it.  So if someone could help me out I would
> appreciate it.  I promise I'll get a vanagon manual soon.
>
> Thanks,
> Kevin
>