2005 Dodge Ram Diesel engine noise

I drove approximately 75 miles in the heat of the day (reaching 110), and when I got home there is a loud clicking noise coming from the front drivers side of my engine. I checked the oil and noticed that I was down 2 quarts (very unusual for me) of oil and so I added oil. I change my oil religiously every 3000 miles with Delo 15-40 and replace the filter with an Amsoil filter. I shut my pickup down for 2 days and the clicking noise is not as loud, but it is still there. The noise is coming from the area around the power steering pump area or the alternator. There is a component just above the Power Steering Pump, but I am not sure what it is. Looks like something to do with the A/C, but I'm not sure. I am afraid to drive the truck to town to have it looked at, since I live about 30 miles from any town that has a mechanic.
Has anyone else found a problem like this, or any ideas about the cause of the problem? Thank you to everyone who runs this site, it is of great help to the DIY guys like me.
Thank you.