sounds like a lifter, but if no lifters.... something is definitely dry/loose at startup.

i always thought a 'tappet' was a an old fashioned term for lifter, but wikipedia disagrees.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tappet

i'm sure some will disagree, but i'd put a bottle of stp in it.

 

wait the 4.7 doesnt have lifters? ???? WTF im confused, maybe itll make sense if i come back and read it in the morn for now good night

 

Here's a good pageabout the 4.7. Except, that is... the game of "what's my noise".
http://dodgeram.org/tech/gas/Cammer/4_7_v8.html

On another forum, someone mentioned that 'valve lash adjusters' could make this noise.

 

sound like excessive valve lash untill oil pressure builds up

 

thats what it sounds like to me too

 

Lash issue. i have built a few nissans in my time. same sound. also pull the covers and inspect the top end for crud in the oil passage ways.

 

So, valve lash it is then.Hopefully I'llbe able to get the stealer to help on it. I have a tad over a month left on the drivetrain warranty they gave me, and the extended warranty I bought kicks inin a couple weeks. We shall see. I do appreciate all the help given from y'all on this problem!

 

my 93 does that on cold starts. it's because all the oil is in the pan, the clacking is the metal to metal contact but it goes away after a little while

 

try changing the oil.. put some lucas in it.. or some restore... and a heavier weight oil.. see if that dont clear it up..

 

I changed the oill this evening. The stealer changed it for free the first time, a week after we bought it, and I have no clue what they put in, but I went with Mobil-1 10-30 (as I've used M1 for the last 6 years with great success) and, since I had some left sitting around, 8ozs of Seafoam went in as well. I took it out after the change and ran the crap out of it for 15mins or so. I'll know in the morning if this has even started to help. I'll dump this load at around 300 to 500 to get the gunk out that the Seafoam is supposed break up, and then go with another fill of M1 and see how it goes.
I've had more fun out of this truck than I've had out of a vehicle in10 years. I really hope it continues to live, and keep a smile on my face!