Helping a friend replace a speedo cable on a 93 escort. How hard is it and any special tools required? Thanks

Special tools? I don't think so... you might need some torx type heads for your screwdriver.
Easy? Yeeesss...... but probably a bit time consuming since getting access to the back side of the dash where the cable plugs in is a big pain.

You might have to take the steering wheel off to access the cluster. I don't know if this is true but I've heard that if you take the U bolt and clamp off underneath the shaft you can lower the steering column enough to pull the cluster.