Bodydrop won't run without factory air intake???

Whenever I turn my truck over, it won't run without the factory air intake on it. The mass air flow sensor and the other little one by the intake manifold have to be in or they or it dies immediately after starting. How do I go about fixing this? Has anyone else ever had this problem before? I would keep the factory air stuff, but there is no way in hell it will fit under the hood in the ranger. And please... no smart ass comments like just get a 302. I know that would work, but I just don't have one yet....