I just took a road trip to NC and back for a total of over 400 miles. i drove around town since then for a few days. driving today though i started hearing this ticking noise that increases in speed relative to the rpms. It has gotten worse (louder) throughout the day. when i got home, i got under the car, and it sounds like it is coming from some part of the transmission. any ideas? The engine was also low on oil.

 

It is from the front of the transmission towards the engine...im really worried

 

Sounds like you better spend some time on your truck, can't let a 13 year old truck run low on fluids.
When was the last time you greased your u-joints. I would suggest tomorrow you fill everything, swivels, t/case, both diffs and the tranny.
How about your engine oil?

 

i filled the oil as soon as i got home. just had an oil change 2k ago. I will check everything else tomm. Thanks DiscoMike. you always respond quickly to mine and everyones questions. Hopefully someday i will be able to help someone else. What is the worst and best case scenario? If it was from the oil being low, how long would it take for the sound to go away?

 

Well, it is constant and continues when your truck is running and in park (this is what I'm getting from your comments) then it's doubtful that it's transmission. You're saying it's at the back of the motor and gets louder w/ acceleration? Sounds like it could just be an exaust manifold, either cracked or just gasket gone bad.
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it is constant and does continue when the truck is in park...but i dont think its the exhaust. it sounds like it is right above the catalytic converters. either them, or the box..

 

Could be a cracked "Y" pipe, kind of common.

 

okay...i spent some time under the truck and pinpointed the sound to the transfer case..im going to drain and refill it. it looks like it may have a leak..so hopefully its only low on fluid. are there any special procedures to drain and refill? any threads on this? i couldnt locate any

 

1. You'll need an oil transfer pump to get gear oil back in the case due to it's positioning, otherwise just drain and fill it.
2. You still haven't located your original problem, b/c there is nothing in the T-case that will cause clicking while your sitting in park w/ the motor running.

 

is there anything you could think of that might be loose above the t-case that could cause this?