Hello, I am a first time user...
I have a 1999 F-150 with 4.6 and automatic transmission. I bought it used about a year ago. It's been a good truck and I have maintained it as outlined in the manual. I'm no expert auto mechanic, but a "shade tree" mechanic of sorts. With that said I do all my maintenance work myself.

At about 40k I changed the atf fluid and filter, then at about 47k this "clicking" noise started, and I checked fluid level several times first off, it's just right.

The noise starts when you put it in reverse gear and any of the drive gears
The noise stops in park and neutral
When you put it in drive or reverse, hold the brake and push the gas the clicking increases with rpm. Higher rpm more clicking. Take it out of gear no clicking.
Could this be the shift relay/solenoid in the trans?
No idiot light is showing and it shifts very well, the truck just sounds like a peice of junk.
And in my experience transmission noises are not normal or to be ignored.
Below is my attempt to list all the particulars;
-clicking is not real loud but loud enough to hear at a stoplight with the window down (thats how I noticed it)
-no leaks
-I dont dog it
-and it seems heat makes it louder
-and if it is that shift solenoid its located under the trans fluid pan right?
Any replies would be greatly appreciated, because I cant think of a whole lot else that could be clicking except that shift relay/solenoid

 

Are you sure you don't have an exhaust leak?

 

Yeah I'm sure. I have a new flowmaster exaust

 

notorious valve guide tick

 

Thats whta I first thought mld1371, but the noise is not coming from under the hood...

 

The exhaust leak would be at the exhaust manifold.

 

Excuse my ignorance, but what is valve guide tick

 

There is a TSB on that issue