I have the same popping issue. I have alum RCI skids. Put them on a few weeks before my road trip to Moab. Just noticed it when I got back. Checked suspension. Nothing it loose. Always happens when I get in an start it in morning. I put it in reverse and hear a pop in front. Can't replicate it...
At about 3000 miles since new. I used a Miyvac. Got about 8-9 qts out of I recall. Added extra cap pan PPE pan and OEM new filter. Put in the same amount of Amsoil LLV with additional. Made sure to get it up to temp and check the little fill pip.
Change your motor oil early. Get wear particulates out. I did mine @ 500. , 1500, then 3000. Also did transfer, transmission (PPE pan added), & diffs around 3000. If you know you know.
I live near a highway and drove for about 20 min aggressively. Only got to about 200F after I got back and let idle in garage for about 10 min. Don't like the idea of power braking and wearing clutches out. Not sure how techs get it higher.
Update. Fit and finish was great. I did reuse factory gasket. Order longer bolts and filled w/75w-140. ?Def recommend Factory Ten. Can't beat the price.