Strut bearing Replacing 86 coupe

[Brian Link <bflink@ouray.cudenver.edu>]

Do  i need any special tools to replace my strut bearing on a 86 Coupe
GT?  I can remove the nut in the engine bay, but do i need to remove the
slotted nut to get the strut bearing out?  If so where can i buy or how
do i make such a tool?  What are others expierence on how long the strut
bearings last and how can one tell if they are bad.  I feel about .5
inch of play up and down at the wheel.

Thanks

Brian Link
Boulder, CO