I own a 1982 300 sd. I'm not a REAL mechanic but do most of my own work. My lower ball joints have a lot of play in them so I need to replace them and wanted to know if any special tools are required to remove or install them.
Any tips or tricks would be helpful as well.
Thanks in advance

A SAFE set of jackstands to support the car to begin with.
Removal can be done without any special tools. Installation of the joint requires it to be pressed in. I did my lower ball joints, that I got from Fastlane, with the ball joint press from Autozone. Its not a difficult job.

Start by cleaning the area up with degreaser, scapping, car wash...
Then soak everything with PB Blaster or WD40 especially the area under the lower joint where it is pressed into the spindle assembly. You might want to start soaking things now to give it a chance to work.
You have to remove that spindle and beat the joint out from the bottom, then press it in with the press and re-install the spindle.

Here's an excellent write up with pictures:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=179284

Its almost impossible to get stuck with all the knowledge available here to help.
Let us know how it goes so that others in the future can better understand this job.

Yep you can do it like whiskydan said. When I did mine I had a hard time getting the old ball joint out so I ended up drilling out the backside and then using a cold chiesl to get the rest out. PITA but can be done in your driveway. Look at everything else that you will be removing and replace what you can so you won't have to do double work later. Good luck.

__________________
If it ain't broke take it apart and find out why.

1983 300SD, 4 speed
1994 C280
1987 300TD wagon
1996 HD Road King

Ride in Peace Eric Peterson, Harley of Macon

Thanks for the info.
I didn't want to get in the middle of it and then find out I couldn't finish.
So hopefully I can rent the press from one of the local parts stores.