2001 Ford F-150 Loud Ticking Noise from front

I had the same problem. does it sound like its coming from the side of the engine block? If it is its most likely your exhaust manifold gasket. You have to pull the headers for this to replace, which basically means the entire exhaust needs to be lose to do this. If not coming from the exhaust manifold area, then i would throw some BG oil in the sucker. You can go to any good auto parts store and ask them for the BG oil for ticking.