Help With Set Up And Clock Issues 003 Rack+ Profire 2626

[toolgirl]

003 rack + (8 ins)
with pro fire 2626 (8 Ins)
Pro Tools 9.02
External Fire Wire Hard Drive
imac Snow


Question 1. What's the best way to connect the hardware and run a session with this set up.

I Want to record 16 tacks at once at 24 / 48 or better

Issues
1. sessions that are 24 /48 when I import a wav. it plays back at a different speed..

2. Sometimes I randomly have trouble where it says your i/o set up has changed

3. using the internal clock - then i can NOT use ins of the pro fir 2626

Please lets discuss -
thanks you soo much in advance
i know we can get through this once and for all--

it feels like i never know what is going to happen from day to day
?? will i be able to record drums today? = 16 tracks at once
please help thnaks