First the obvious, make sure you didn't get turned around and are
turning the bolt the wrong way.

(must go counterclockwise to remove, looking up from the ground)

Use a good quality (Craftsman etc) six point socket.  If your socket
adaptor broke, it's probably Harbour Frieght or similar poor quality.
If plug still doesn't come out, you might be SOL.

Or, just leave the plug in.

You can use a dipstick siphon (like in a boat) to change your oil.
http://ecatalog.westmarine.com/full.asp?page=0617&LinkBackProdId=268534

Alternatively you can loosen the oil filler tube at the block, that
will not be easy to do each time you change the oil because it's
somewhat of a pain to access, and it won't drain completely through
the filler tube unless the van is parked uphill.

-Paul

>
>Any tricks or advice on getting this thing loose without messing it up or
>God Forbid twisting the head off?