EPIC NECRO
... always seems like I mature so much when I leave these places.
However. Onto the fun
Another Update
I still have the car. The noise returned after a few weeks, however it doesn't seem to affecting performance. I've been running the LMS 4 tune since then and haven't touched it.
It only occurred at WOT and with no CELs or logged codes I said to heck with it, pin it to win it.
I'm assuming its drive line issues. Nothing has blown up 100,000kms later. But I fully own the car in August and intend on setting money aside for a transmission and PTU.
However I did in my typical "must learn the hard way" fashion, I tackled my own brakes. I decided to be frugal and treat it like my truck. Rotors in spec, fresh pads.
Idiot.
The front pads glazed so badly they shattered, and my car had easily the scariest brakes I've ever endured on a vehicle.
I promptly took it to my mechanic as it was out of my league, I didn't have the time and wasn't interested in tracking down the equipment for a proper ABS bleed.
New pads
New rotors
New to me HCU (mine was screwed, threw a used one on, at nearly a grand cheaper it was worth a try)
New front struts, new bearing, new mounts etc
New endlinks in the attempt at killing my bump clunk (does anyone KNOW what it is? Slow speed. Sounds like a strut get clobbered)
Fresh tires, Went with the Nitto Motivos
Current plans are to go get it professionally data logged and for a dyno run. To see how much power its actually making and to eliminate the possibility that the engine is having issues.
Only other thing that has occurred is the drivers seat cracked and one time on a big hill the car hiccuped and lost power briefly threw a fuel code. I have chalked that up to using the swill 91 from a station in the middle of no where. I pick my fuel stops much more carefully after that. Hasn't occurred since then but with the car nearing 200,000km I do think the fuel system might need some replacements in the future.
The PTU fluid has been changed once since I bought it.
Transmission had AMSoil put in it. Won't change it again assuming the engine gets clean bill of health.
In the event the engine does not get a clean bill of health. I'll drive it until it grenades and hopefully the Explorer ST is out.
Cheers everyone! Its beer night!