Does anyone have a suggestion on how to get to the nuts on the back of the egr cooler. I can get a socket on them with a short ratchet but can't break loose. Thought about removing trans dip stick tube to get a little more space. frustrating!!!!!!

No special trick to it. Sometimes a little bit of penetrating lube on them or wd-40 will make them come loose easier.

from what I understand and have read you just need to put some serious muscle behind it

Try going up through the fenderwell with a 3/8" breaker bar (the longer the better).

Here are a couple of threads that might help:

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=261528

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=319838