kevin, if you really want a 17mm hex let me know, i can hop on the snap-on truck and get you one, price is probably around 40 bucks. or, you can find a 17mm bolt like you said which they do actually have out there, or use a couple of nuts.
either way, this stuff is out there.
changing the fluid isnt hard, the hardest part is getting fluid back in, tight fit at fill plug, using a suction gun is easiest.