I would reepair that broken shock and pull the rear diff cover and check for metal shavings, i could be that the pinion bearing on the rear diff is getting very worn and the pinion is slamming off of the ring gear on take off. if you can mouve the pinion in and out at the input of the rear diff there is a problem there, you may want to take the truck to a expert for furthrer inspection.

 

The ticking could be an exhaust leak, like a crack in one of your exhaust manifolds, the leak only happens when its cold,but swells when it gets hot and then seals up.

 

Just discovered my driver side leafspring hanger is rotted away and my spring now resides up against the box. Maybe the same w/you?

 

ford says that use of aftermarket oil filters can do this to try a motorcraft filter number is fl-820