it all comes apart very simply. there's no need to worry about slackening anything in any particular order as i recall, although i tend to loosen the main swing arm pivot nut early in proceedings just in case. the only fastening to be wary of is the shock top mount bolt, a straight socket doesn't mount squarely onto it as the frame is in the way. not so bad for removal as a spanner can get to it but awkward for getting a torque wrench to it for re-assembly. i have rounded mine a little without using any real force on a universal joint type socket adapter and will order a replacement if ever i take it out again. i also tend to measure distances between axle blocks and swing arm ends before removal to make wheel alignment straight forward later.
no special tools beyond a socket set, allen keys, torque wrench and spanners are required.
as for the bearings - their state should be pretty obvious from an inspection once visible. a full swing arm set was about £30 from marksman when i did mine. mains don't tend to wear very much as water and salt find it difficult to get in there and they only rotate through a few degrees of motion, linkage bearings are more prone to the elements however. Let's assume that they were all well greased at the factory, not always the case apparently!
i've read more than once on here to tighten the linkage and shock bolts with the bike on it's side stand in order to minimise free play once done although this wasn't necessary on mine.
i have a paper somewhere with all the torque settings that you'll need, just say and i'll post them.