Catching up on tools

[AnthonyBF2]

I'd like to make a few smallish mods for SWBF1 for personal use and am way behind on the modding scene for the game. I'd just like a general push on updated tools/tutorials.

Thanks. 

Edit: I remember in the past trying to remunge the stock sides and using them crashed on maps like Hoth. I never figured this out and it would be sweet if possible to fix.

[Dark_Phantom]

The tutorials section on the board is a great place to start.  The Q&A archives (stickied) are extremely nice when you have a specific question (or you can use the search bar).  One of the first things I suggest getting a hold of is Phobos Modders Toolbox.  It contains most of the modding tools needed with the exception of the 100% Common/Shell Builders (which are hosted here as well).
Thread for Toolbox: http://www.swbfgamers.com/index.php?topic=4382.msg43021#msg43021

As far as Hoth goes, the only thing that I can say is that the game tends to crash when forgetting the local probe droid side for whatever reason in the mission file.  I have never personally had any problem with the Side builders (run clean and then munge and see what happens).