just uploaded a sound file, let me know what you think!

 

 

Yes it did. After driving for 15mn, I could not hear it. I'll check again tomorrow and pay closer attention on when/if it goes away.
I will also check if the pitch increases with RPMs.

 

Same noise this morning starting from cold. High RPMs doesn't make it much louder. It then goes away when driving for less than 5mn.

Any ideas?
Do I need to re-check the belt and re-install the whole thing? I don't really mind, just not sure what I would do differently.

 

Not to get too scientific, but it sounds like something rubbing against something else. When the engine heats up, the expansion moves the two things apart. With cold truck and hood open, start it up and hop out to try and isolate the sound.
I lived in NYC for many years and the labor rate you mention sounds about right. I live north of the city now, and it is just a bit lower, not much.

 

To me...it sounds like the serpentine belt is not seated properly and is rubbing on one of the pulleys. After it warms up, it seats properly or due to contractions/expansion it seats properly.

I would say check the belt tensioner and reseat the belt. Not that hard and shouldn't take more than 20 minutes to pull the radiator shroud and fan off.