My engine idles smooth and has power when needed and there is no missing cylinders. If I put my foot on the brake, put it in gear and just barely touch the gas, there is a low thumping like sound up front. Is that something that would show up on a vag.

 

ok first, for any questions or troubleshooting. information is helpful... of your car that is.(i.e. year, engine code, trans etc..)

2nd if ur asking about engine problems, try not posting 2 threads one after another, make 1 big post of both/all questions.

as for your sludge question, i assume your not the first owner? regardless to have sludge at 67k is unlikely however not uncommon, u have to be pretty lazy and neglectful to get it that early. again it seems common though, even still.

 

Sounds like a blown mount (motor, trans, diff)