Hey all. This question regards my '99 Ford Ranger XLT Sport, single cab, automatic, 2.5L 4cyl, 190,000 miles. I'm getting a rattling or ticking sound that appears to be coming from within the dash, steering column, or floorboard area in front of the drivers seat. The noise appears as soon as the truck comes to a stop and the brake pedal remains depressed while IN GEAR. It only happens in the forward gears, not reverse. And if I put the truck into neautral, the noise stops instantly. Also, as soon as I relaease the brakes, the noise dissappears. Any thoughts?

 

One thing that comes to mind is the shield on the catalytic converter. It may have rusted and become loose.