I rented the blind hole puller from auto zone for the pull out, then used the original cam to install. Total cost for that part was $0.

 

Do I need the camshaft assembly tool (pn#320610) from George's tools?

 

I'll third this. I follow iclick's write ups pretty close.

 

In a word.... Yes.

 

Nope.

 

If I buy Gary Beatty tool that iclick and dawg told me about is the only other specialty tool I need the cam lock tool?

Sorry about the constant questions but I just want all my ducks in a row since it's riding season and hopefully this thread will help someone else.

 

I actually enjoyed doing my own cams. The exhaust was the biggest POA for me.

 

Cam lock tool isn't absolutely necessary, but highly recommended. Aren't you close to Muskogee? If so and you want to meet up somewhere (I'm in Broken Arrow), I'd be glad to loan you mine....

 

No. If you did a lot of cam jobs it would make insertion of the cams a bit easier, but it isn't necessary. This is the "alignment tool" I mentioned earlier, but that's not a good name for it. "Assembly tool" or "Positioning tool" would be better, as it just positions the cams for insertion in the cam plate.

You also don't need the gear-locking tool mentioned in the manual. Again, if you do cam jobs every week, yes--but all you need to do to lock the gears is have a friend engage the rear brake while you're torquing the flange bolts.

 

I'm one of those weird people that would rather buy the proper tool for the job and not need it than to not buy it and need it.

Just like, technically, you don't need the real wrist pin puller, wrist pin clip tool, or the tool to hold the piston straight and level when putting on the jug, but I bought them anyhow.

I'm a fan of "work smarter, not harder".