I ahve a 1996 ranger with a 4.0l ohv engine. I have a clicking sound that is always there and gets louder under load. I tried unhooking one spark plug at a time and when I unhooked clyd #3 the noise stopped. I pulled the plug and started it and it made a horable loud clanging noise. Some have told me its a wrist pin others a lifter. Any ideas. Thanks. Ron

 

What did you change on the truck before clicking started ?

Could be as little as wrong weight oil, without hearing the noise.

 

There is still too many variables. Try changing your spark plugs to start with. and what weight oil are you using?
is this a metallic clicking?

 

I run 5w30 have tried 10w30 and additives, Changed spark plugs no change.

It just started with a slight clicking about a year ago and just keeps getting worse to the point it sound like something is about to give.

 

5/30 and 10/30 are the same weight at operating temp. If your going to try thicker oil you need to step up to 40 or 50 wt.

The push rod cups are known to wear and tick, not sure what kind of noise you have.

 

You are running 5-30, is that what Ford calls for, heavier oils will not help only create more noises.
My 3.0 calls for 5-20 and if I run anything else like 5-30 or 10-X it will tell me with rocker arm noise.

I had a 5.0 that had a slight knock when I used higher viscosity oil.
It may be too late but try changing to the oil “in the book” and see if that helps.

Do you know where the noise is coming from ?

What about the timing chain tensioner, when it wears on other engines you can sometimes hear a ticking.

As StxDangerRanger said, a lot of variables without hearing it.

 

OHV's dont have timing tensioners.

Thicker oil will bump pressure and fill gaps better reducing the noise an engine makes. It is a last resort before rebuild.

At work we have some old vehicles used for lot work they run a 50/50 mix of oil and gear lube.