I did this job for the first time last fall, and I didn't find it very difficult if you realize that it's going to take a while and don't try to rush. I was able to do it with a regular wrench to tighten and loosen the locking nuts and a teeny tiny wrench ( like 4 or 5 mm or something like that, sorry I don't remember the size ) to turn the shaft. I am planning on getting the special tool before I do it again, but it certainly isn't something you NEED.
BTW, don't confuse the intake and exhaust sides and adjust the clearances wrong, or you will put everything back together and it will run like crap, and then the clouds will part, and like a vision from above you will realize what you have done, then you will curse a lot and do it all over again.
Don't ask how I know this.
Steve