"1. how about replacing the fluid with something else? i have no idea what's in there now. the fluid was last replaced a few months ago at the dealership. i have no idea what they used. is there a good quality fluid out there that may help with the bang issue? i see much mention of the "honey" stuff, but i'm no fluid expert..."
If Ford replaced it, it is probably Mercon which is probably as good as you can get for an ATX.
If you want try one more item (before the tranny mounts), how about the MLPS ($50). Of course, a MLPS issue should have a CEL code.
http://www.contour.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=trouble&Number=1040336&page=&view=&sb=5&o=&fpart=all&vc=1
