At  7/28/2012 10:58 PM,Rob wrote:

>http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200390670_200390670
>for the 46mm socket if a tool rental place or neighbor does not have one.

I'd used the striker tool for the axle nut on many occasions & still
have both sizes. That tool has zero stand off from the nut, so the
hammer swinging & cheater bar location and where the body of the van
is are a care that has to be watched.
The last time I went to take the nut off my '84 Vanagon the flat tool
was a bit worn & the nut really liked it there. To be honest I was a
bit uncomfortable swinging that 5# hammer at a flat that was that
close to the body of to van & the tool was worn enough that it would
slip off with a 6' cheater bar. I ended up getting it to move with
propane heat & an airgun.
That's when I bought the 46mm socket. I already had a 3/4 drive bar
from an earlier project with a big nut on a Honda. The
socket-bar-cheater work really well, they stand out far enough away
from the body that I can 'help' with my 5# hammer when needed & the
bar clears the body. The socket makes it easier to torque the nut too
just because of the clearance issue.

FWIW my 3/4 drive bar is Craftsman from Sears... just in case I break
it on the next nut I have to do <g>.

Rob
vwrobb@gmail.com
Currently in WA state
  OTRA-subscribe@yahoogroups.com