My '99 5.4 (99,000) has a lifter that really raps for a few seconds when starting down the drive, then it gets quiet. If I let the truck warm up for a few minutes, I generally don't hear it.
Is this a common problem with these engines? I suppose it's major surgery to replace.

 

Most likely not a lifter, especially since this is an OHC engine. Most likely a loose spark plug.