So when the truck is in 2wd I get a ticking in the front driver side(seems like only when it gets warm). When I put it in 4x4 it stops. I'm no master mechanic and I dont really do a lot of 4x4.

 

You will need to jack up the front end and spin the wheels to find the tick.
Also check play in the wheel

Does steering effect the noise?
Or Brakes?

2008 Ranger front axle is always locked(live), so all the parts spin in 2WD or 4WD, 4WD selection happens in the transfer case, 2WD or 4WD shouldn't matter for the noise

 

But it will tick in 2wd and I can stop right there. Put it in 4wd and it stops

 

I believe you, just don't think that will ID the problem