thanks Jack,i appreciate it and the help.honestly,i wouldn't mind the input from a professional that can show me the clearances just as a piece of mind and offer some input on it all.yes i'm meticulous with it all and try and do what's rite,i can do a lot things well but i know my limitations and I'm fine with it.I'm sure there's bad oil pumps out there and as crazy as it may sound but if it comes back as everything's fine and it doesn't need bearings etc but an oil pump I'll rest easy knowing i tried to make a healthy future for my right foot shenanigans..I'm sorry you're going thru this, Chris.
I know how meticulous you are with your car and try to always do the right thing. I think it would be worth trying a new HD oil pump...and for the transmission, I could see your logic going with the stage II trans. A stage II compared to a stage I would be built to withstand more abuse. At least that's what we would immediately think.
At any rate, I wish you the best of luck. Had I lived closer I'd be happy to help you.