1. Seriously consider the "rope trick" instead of the special tool.

2. I think there's a good section on tools in the FAQ. My preference is Craftsman...they're nice, but not nice enough for someone to steal. An 18" breaker bar is a good length (long enough to get leverage, but still fits in some tight spaces). Find some pipe that fits over the handle for a cheater.

3. Elring are good seals. Buy extras as insurance against ripping/rolling the new seal. Also consider getting a timing cover gasket (many here call it the "seal carrier gasket," as it is more descriptive). You probably won't need it, but it's nice to have if the crank seal is a pain.

4. & 5. Pipe works fine. Even with a good seal tool, you'll sometimes ruin a new seal. Buy extras.

6. You should already have a set of Allen wrenches (hex keys). The 3mm or 1/8" should work fine as a pin if you don't have any finish nails around.

7. Hopefully somebody else can chime in on this one...I don't have a "good" way of doing this.

Good luck with the project.