I did have similar symptoms when my vr4’s intake was restricted so I’m wondering if it is a fuel air ratio causing this, will pull filter off and also check plugs as well as pulling the valve cover to inspect cams/rockers/lifters

 

My guess is that this is not an internal engine noise.
Some possibilities to check: engine mounts, suspension, exhaust manifold bolts on both ends-at engine and cats. Outside chance of drive train if you are 4wd.
Have you seen technique of brake torquing to check engine mounts?

 

So after running it tonight and noticing white smoke coming out of the exhaust with a coolant smell, it looks like i have a blown head gasket… it also looks to me like the oil is slowly leaking somewhere as well. I guess its time to pull the heads and replace whatever it is i need to.

 

Probably had an overheat recently.
Rec that you do leak down and compression check on all of the cylinders to determine if you need to replace one or both head gaskets.
Be sure to drain the coolant before removing the head.
Check the head and block for flatness. If it's out of flatness specs, a new head gasket will not seal.
You'll get a look at your timing tensioner and lifters to see if your first guesses were correct.

 

If it is shown that i will need to replace one head gasket, i will go ahead and just replace both. While it is out, i will just go ahead and replace the timing tensioners and guide, along with water and oil pump.

the lifters will be inspected as well and i will then decide if i should upgrade them. Glad i did not get new tires yet so the money for that can go towards a rebuild.

i will keep you posted on what i find but below are my shopping cart currently. Some may not be needed so will return if anything.

fingers crossed for a flat cylinder head and no cracks!

 

If the truck was overheated, the valve seats would be another area to check.

 

Some goodies i found

 

That's not good. What does the oil on your dipstick look like?

 

to be honest, while pulling everything (radiator fan = bloody knuckles), i have not pulled the dipstick. On account of how much coolant in the cylinder heads, i will also be dropping the pan and replace all gaskets. I was atleast happy that the coolant was orange soda haha

tomorrow’s plan will be to:

• replace chains, guides and tensioners
• replace lifters and rockers
• Drain oil and inspect for shavings(fingers crossed)

also, i find it weird that i was able to remove the oil pressure sensor unit just by hand alone.

 

Before replacing anything, look at the dipstick. I suspect it's gonna be chocolate milkshake, which means you are going to have to pull the heads.