So I've gotta get it done. Tips?

Which side should I start on, the left non-crank side, or the right crank side?

Parktool.com

it doesn't matter as long the job get done.

I'm thinking I'll start on the non-crank side right now, since it might be marginally easier to get off. Also is cleaner overall.

This is gonna be a *****.

did you clean you chainring teeth like a good little boy ?

done! It wasn't that bad.

I used a piece of pipe as an extender for the wrench.

how much should I tighten it?

For most square taper and Octalink/ISIS cartridge bottom brackets the recommended torque is 50 - 70 N-m or 400 - 600 inch-pounds. That is VERY tight. A regular wrench won't normally approach it for most mechanics.

BTW, for most cartridges it doesn't matter which side you remove first. For Shimano cartridges with the plastic non-drive-side cup, remove the drive side cartridge first. Otherwise you stand a good chance of destroying the plastic cup.

Eh, my torque wrench goes up to like 900. Thanks for the tip.

hey hillrider, I used to live in PGH.

It's a surprisingly bikeable city when you consider that it's in Appalachia.