well i got the car back. it was the MAFS. they replaced it for me. is there anyway the combination of my injen (short ram set up) and AW header caused this to go bad? i can't see how but crazier things have happened.

 

you can just use a wrench and hammer tap it.... but i did noticed something in the way on the drivers side tho when tried to get that bolt off. i only used the socket for the 5 bolts on top and wrench on the bottoms... those bolts on the bottom are a pain in the ___ to take off...

 

For others having probs with that lower left nut. I used a 12mm offset box end...put it on the nut...secure the wrench on the nut with one of the other flange nuts you have already removed...tap it loose with the palm of your hand. I had to use this methode because I rounded the nut a bit with my open end wrench. That thing was TIGHT! Anyway, worked like a charm.