My first attempt was a the socket with a 3/4  to 1/2 "adapter connected to a
1/2 breaker bar with a 3 foot long black pipe over it.  first I pushed on
it. nothing.  Then I stood on it. nothing.  Then I move a little and BAM!!
Something goes flying out the garage door and lands in the front seat of our
79 convertible bug.  It's was half of the adapter. split down the middle.

The real solution was to drive it over to a trusted local brake shop and
have them hit it with an impact wrench.  5 seconds and they were off like
butter.  Tightened it up a little and drove home and got to work on the rear
end.  Impact wrench all the way baby!

AND, on a side note.   I guess there really is something to tightening lug
nuts. not an urban legend as I suspected.  I had just finished working on
the front end and thought I'd just snug the lug nuts cause I was only
driving a couple of miles.  Mile 1.5 I hear this growling noise.  I knew
what it was. pulled over and sure enough. those little suckers were coming
loose.

-- mark