Loud noise from driver wheelwell at high speeds - 2008 tacoma

Hi TW - Gotta question for all the folks out there looking to lend some advice.

I have a 2008 Taco, 2.7 L engine, 4 x 4, 4 cyl base. I recently took it up the mountains in colorado to do some hunting, and was driving up some pretty gnarley dirt roads, rocking the suspension, on some serious 4WD roads. Barely made it due to the lack of power. Things were fantastic before the trip, no noise coming from the front wheelwells during normal cruising speeds on pavement. I recently got some new tires too before this trip in preparation - DUELER A/T REVO 3 P245/75R16 LRE. Since I got back to Utah, my wheelwell, especially the driver's side, has been making some serious noise at 65-70 MPH, minimal noise at low speeds.

I just took it to a great mechanic in town - they checked my pads, 9/32 in both L and R sides, inside and out. Ball bearings don't seem to be making any noise during normal speeds or with turning. I recently had my lower control arms replaced about 6 months ago too. So I have new tires, pads are in good shape, and no sounds from ball bearings. These mechanic guys took it for a spin, recognized the noise, but report that it's nothing to worry about, which seems odd, since the noise is new to me.

I can also tell that when I go downhill, with the clutch in and listening to the wheel well only, I can hear this subtle rhythmic noise until I stop.

I was seeing if you guys out there have any idea what this could be. I did "bottom out" the front end a couple times, not hard, during my trip to colorado. I have that crummy stock skid place in place, but I can't imagine that I did any real damage. Didn't hit any rocks or anything, if anything, just dirt.

The guys also rotated my new tires (with 7k miles on them) without any change to the noise on the highway after I picked it up tonight.

If you guys have any idea what this could be, I really appreciate it. The alignment appears to be totally fine, no issues there. I'm wondering if it's something in the actual axle or something.

Thank you everyone! I know this is a shot in the dark but I thought I would pitch it to TW before bringing it to another mechanic.

 

Stock suspension, no lift? I'd lean towards alignment if you have a lift, as stock numbers don't work for changed geometry.

Check the wheel bearing as well. Rugged roads mixed with any possible water intrusion could throw wrenches in the works. Pop the wheel off and turn the hub, see if it feels or sounds rough or gravelly. Do the same to the other side for comparison. A stethoscope helps but not required

Any play in the CV shaft? Does the sound change or go away in 4wd? Could be the needle bearing where the driver side CV shaft goes into the diff. It's known be sloppy and go out especially in lifted trucks. Removing the bearing and upgrading to the ECGS bushing is simple and common.