I've had this truck since new and now with 98k miles I just started to hear the dreaded engine ticking. I realize that it is probably the cam phaser's. I have plans to take it to the dealer to get the plugs changed (actually not bad at $225) and now I going to add the ticking noise to the list. How bad will I get killed for two new cam phaser's? Also, since this just started, am I doing any more damage by continuing to drive it? I probably won't be able to take it it for another month

 

You sure it's not an exhaust leak causing the tick? When camphasers go bad they sound more like a diesel engine like a clack-clack-clack.

 

No, I'm not 100% sure it isn't exhaust. From inside the cabin while driving isn't definitely a ticking noise, but when listening from the outside it could be described as a clacking. I guess I'm not sure what I'm hearing.

 

5.4 3v were notorious for having cracked exhaust manifolds. Look at the very end where it connects to the down pipe, they always crack on the last bank

 

Thanks, I'm checking the exhaust manifold today. Is the crack usually obvious?

 

as long as it is not covered in mud you should be able to see it. sometimes it will look like a piece of black hair is on the exhaust and that would be your crack other times they are well more obvious.