yep - that's what i found. i just had to give it a little attitude adjustment. threw some spray lube on it- then sat back and had a beer. came off pretty easily after that.
axon- i have to say thanks for all of your "hacks". although i know my way around a car pretty well- i like to have a "how to" just so i have some sort of check list. i just did everything uder the sun you could think of for a tune up- most all of which i used your focushacks web print outs. thanks again!!!!!
the car feels like a completely different car- don't know if it was the tune up or the fact i removed the cat (most likely both)- but it idles smoother and seems to rev a little quicker/faster. not any louder either since i was used to the random tech cat that was on there before. tranny feels great too- too bad the oil it took to get it that way cost over $30!!!
i think tomorrow it will be running even better- got a new dpfe sensor (this one was on there for over 100k miles- i am pretty sure it was toast. they sold me the wrong one though- wire connection was different. so- i get to replace that when i get home tomorrow.