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On removing the cam followers, once you have the tool, it's very easy. There was some debate on another board on whether or not this can be done safely if left in AND the tensioner left in also. Obviously, it can be done, because people have done it. So, why do MB and Haynes, Chilton recommend removing them? I think it's for two reasons:
1. Unexpected movement of the chain/gear due to spring action
2. If you remove the tensioner (which is recommended in the books), the RH side of the chain has a lot of slop in it, certainly more than a tooth's worth, and certainly more than enough to cause interference. Having the tensioner in makes the job a little more difficult; If your tensioner is older, it probably leaks a little, the spring is old, is it really going to hold enough tension? I did not feel like gambling $2000 to find out (note that the LH side is always under tension during the process and unless something really gross happens, you can't skip a tooth on that side).
My 0.02: Unless you are a seasoned mechanic (I'm not) or just plain born lucky (I'm not), I'd go by the book. But I think the vise-grips are a neat idea.
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