MAF sensor screwed

I already know my O2 sensors are bad i have 116k miles on my 99 4.8 and havent replaced them yet, combined with now getting 11mpg highway. But anyways, I was checking my air filter and if you move the air cleaner assembly as a whole upwards, the engine sputters and tries to die. Im assuming this is either wiring to the MAF or the MAF itself, I dont own a scan tool so I cannot determine if the MAF is sending a normal signal or what. Any Ideas?