I just did this last month, you do need a special socket for the lock nut I paid $108 at a bike shop unless you make one. But its very easy once you remove all the nuts,rod, and brake lines. Takes like 20 mins
I went out and bought a large socket, and made one myself. $5 at True Value! I can't remember off the top of my head what size it was, but I just used a cutoff wheel and grinder and removed all the material between the 4 fingers.
Yup I did the same to get my swingarm off. A dremel with a cutting wheel will make the cuts on the socket fairly easy. It took about 15 minutes. Good luck! :up: