Noisey fan clutch
 

My 2000 Ranger XLT with 196000 miles has developed a noise, been told that it is fan clutch making sound. Never been changed.
What kind of problems could this cause other than the noise?
I just had Tranny serviced,was over due as last service was in 2009 at 77500 miles, mostly "highway" milage
Is this something I should get taken care of now or wait? Any suggestions appreciated

Well if the fan clutch is making noise its probably already not working 100% and on its way out. which can lead to the engine overheating. Not a noise I would just "live with".

The fan clutch can go out of balance and cause water pump bearing to fail making it a more expensive and MUST DO NOW issue.

Fan clutch is not hard to change and not expensive
This is one of the parts where I would use 3rd party manufacturer over Ford(Motorcraft) part
3rd party cost is about $50
Ford part is over $120

I consider this a non-essential part in that if the 3rd party part starts to fail it won't strand you on the side of the road, and its easy enough and readily available to replace if it does

Thanks for input. I will get it taken care of