how hard to remove heads?
 

so, either its just my head gasket or i have a cracked head... with so my question, is it worth it to pull it my self and take it to a machine shop or just pay 1300-1500 and have it all done at a shop?

Depends on how much you know.. It is not a really hard job, you need a torque wrench and a large breaker bar.. (and a 12 point 14mm 1/2" drive socket for head bolts.. some don't have the 12 point)