BDI is right, when you break the lip off the needle bearings they are a bugger, I always use my propane torch and heat the aluminum before trying to remove them, it makes your life much easier. Many of my fork and shock tools I've made, like the rod to pull the damper rod up while installing the spring and cap, and then there is a really narrow wrench to loosen the oil lock collars so you can remove the dampening rod. You'll need nitrogen for the shock, small picks to remove the snap ring. On the newer stuff it takes a few more speciality tools to complete the job but you shouldn't need many for the k5. I like tools, so I either make what I need or buy them, it always makes the job easier if you have the right tools. The 09 kx450 doesn't have a schrader valve on the shock, you have to use a needle, I'm thinking about building a new cap with a schrader valve but thats another story.