I have a 2001 Supercrew with right around 200,000 miles on it with a 5.4. The truck runs great and has not given me any problems at all. When I start the truck everything sounds great, untuil I put it in gear and I get a ticking sound which soundslike it come from the engine area I hear it the most from the wheel wells. If I put it back in park it goes away. I can drive all the way to work which is 30 miles and you cannot hear the ticking until you stop and mind you you have to have the windows down to hear it as it is not loud at all. I get to work put the truck in park and the sound goes away?? Any ideas??

 

did u check for oil,valves might need adjusting

 

so i asume u hear it when the idle drops when the gear kicks in.. and goes away if in neutral or after u take off... exhaust leak?

 

I had a ticking sound pop up. I traced it to the AC compressor pulley bearings by cutting the AC on, and the ticking stopped. Being a new compressor and pulley a year ago, I think it had to "break in" since now the ticking has stopped. Try the AC test. Sometimes things work together to throw you off on the diagnosis, I think they conspire to make life complicated.

 

another thing u might wana try is removing the serpentine belt and start up the truck and do the same procedures when it makes the noise.. but sont leave it running too long. Just a quick test. if no noise is heard then u know its a pulley, Keep us posted