If you are trying to track down the tick and you have the oil pan off don't forget to check the flex plate on the tranny. You should be able to inspect it with the oil pan off. I read a pretty nice thread w pics on it here awhile back.

 

good catch...

 

I've misplaced the spacers now... but they're def. not the oil pick-up spacers- the ones i found are much smaller

I retested my oil pump- i have over 40psi
cold at idle,
cold @ 2k,
warm @ idle, &
warm @ 2k

with rotella something -40 just switched in.

noise is getting worse, i took a video and i'm going to edit it and upload by the end of the week.

flex plate looked perfect- i rotated the engine several full revolutions looking at the plate, cylinders and cam... couldnt find anything out of the ordinary BUT>>>

the connecting rods had maybe .2mm axial play along the crank journels... anyone know is THAT is normal?