I was looking at finally stripping the front suspension off of my car but looked at the top of the strut and lower ball joint with some suspicion. Do these need specialized tools? If so, what and where can I obtain them? Thanks.

If you're talking about the Bilstein insert, there is a special tool made by them to install and remove. You can order it directly from them. Google their number and call them. Shipping will be more than the tool.

If you're just talking about the nut on the top that'll come loose with a socket.

I have found that it's easier to hold the big washer/rubber part with a pipe wrench makes removing the top nut easier.

The bottom nut can be removed the most easily with an air chisel. There are tools specifically for it, but they tend to be a bit on the fragile side, and are probably best used for torquing the fasteners only.

--DD