W123 Halfshaft Replacement

[rmmagow]

The car's an 83 300D. How does one replace the halfshafts in this car. Do I need a bunch of special tools do get this accomplished? Is this a job best left to an indy to fix? Both shafts have totally destroyed boots and the car's making a lot of occasional noise from the rear. After a close inspection of other undercar components it does appear as if the halfshafts are the source of my problems. How can I ID which type halfshaft is in the car ?? Parts guy said something about 8MM vs 12 MM

Thanks for any assistance.