I’ll attach a video of the noise as best I can. All you hear is normal lifter noise at the top of the engine, but below on the left and right side it is almost a highish pitched chip knock. When inside you hear it when mildly accelerating or revving. You can’t hear it too well inside on this clip as it’s worse when it’s cold, but it is still there. Inside it almost sounds like a diesel though not quite as pronounce. I don’t believe it’s spark knock. I had that problem a while ago when the supercharger intercooler ran out of coolant.
I’ve been hearing this noise since 61k miles right after I bought it. Currently sitting at 94.5k.

https://youtu.be/CXjHD47IHGU

 

Cracked exhaust manifold or broken exhaust manifold studs can add quite a bit of audible internal engine noise. Might very well not be the issue though...

 

I will go and check with some soapy wooder right now. The entire exhaust is almost completely rust free but the manifold seems pretty rusted.

 

Update: I can definitely hear a prominent exhaust leak. It is probably due to the entire missing bolt on the rear drivers side. But I do know and recognize that tick. The sound I’m concerned about is coming from the passenger side it seems. I don’t notice any leaks there. Also it sounds a little deeper and more substantial. I’m not ruling out the possibility of an exhaust leak, but it sounds like a 6.7 power stroke idling. It gets quieter when it warms up but is definitely there. Almost like piston slap but I’m not sure. Does that happen after the engine warms up?

 

Fix the exhaust leak first, then recheck!

 

That would be the smart thing to do. I’ll see if I can get a bolt. The only problem is that’s my one thing I leave broken. If I fix it… something else will break. You know how it goes on older vehicles. 😂

 

Or you could clamp it.

 

Btw, the set is all over ebay cheap! Look for these parts: Exhaust Manifold Bolt Repair Kit For Driver's Front /Rear Passenger Front/Rear

 

an also just use a strip of paper and pass it around the exhaust and manifolds. if it starts dancing you have a leak. do you think the passenger side catalytic is breaking apart and the chunks are ringing in the exhaust?

 

I found one for 6 bucks at my local auto zone. Dorman part number 03413