Hi Scotty!
My '98 F150 with a 4.6 single OHC has a rapid clicking in the front end under medium/heavy acceleration, I can hear it most when driving next to a median barrier or wall. The motor has 176k miles and has had the idler pulley, alternator, and timing chains (w/ new guides, cam and crank cog) replaced within the last 20k miles. I'm at wit's end to identify what could cause such a noise. It sounds like it's in the engine bay driver's side, not in the engine or suspension(?). I want to know what it is before I find out if it's going to be a problem! Thank you for you time and expertise!
Bonus question!: once this motor wears out, is a 5.4ltr swap worth it? All I need is a long block and a computer synched for a 5.4?
If the ticking is RPM related it sounds like you may have an exhaust leak. A small leak may not make noise until the motor is under load and makes more exhaust pressure.
I personally would stick with the 4.6. It is a more reliable engine than the 5.4.
