This is an update on the fixes of the bugs that have so far cropped up on my 05 Mustang.
500-900 mile - The popping front-end. Bearings for struts were replaced. Cured that problem for awhile...
1000-1200 mile - Shaker 500 replaced Twice. Second unit a charm. At 9600 miles so far no more skipping.
Hesitation a problem during warm to hot weather. First dealer did not flash, because they could not recreate problem during cold weather.
8,000 mile - First dealer during routine service still did not want to flash computer and
tranny computer.
9300 mile - Popping starts again with vengeance, front middle and rear of car have popping noises. So loud that even my 75 year old mother can hear it!
Taken to second dealer. They a gravely concerned and provide rental car for service while they explore what is popping. The service writer reports significant looseness in front end as both upper and lower control arms are discovered loose and there is problems with transmission supports.
Second dealer takes 8 hours to do full repairs. They have to re-torque car from front to rear. They also suspect first repair was incorrectly done. Bearings replaced again during this mess.
Hood which vibrated at highway speeds, was realigned.
Engine and transmission computers are flashed with newest software.
9600 miles -
A hard drive to a family emergency, put the car through its paces.
Very tight handling and NO POPPING! With temperatures in the 90's, the hesitation did not appear.
I had previously noted a dark soot like coating on the tail pipes. No sooting problems and the car cruising at highway speeds and sometimes above managed an amazing 25.6 MPG on 87 octane with constant use of the A/C.
Hopefully most of the headaches are over. I still have not replaced the gas tank, but will hold off for now to give the car time to adjust.
2005 Update of Bug Repairs 
