well i just got done putting in new bulbs and i want to thank everyone for their help. anyways.... heres the problem that i have now. every now and then when i start up my truck the engine sounds like a deisel. i've read some similar post about ticking sounds but wasnt to sure if this was the same problem. if this is a cracked manifold is this a big problem that needs to be replaced quickly or is it somthing that can be takin care of later on and is this somthing i should be worried about driving with?

 

You need to check to see if it is an exhaust leak, and yes it will need to be fixed quickly other wise you can screw up your 02 sensors or a cat.
The other possibility would be a cheap oil filter which would allow the oil to drain out causing the engine to do a dry start, EVEN A BIGGER PROBLEM.
Be more exact when you hear it and for how long, how often?
What brand of oil filter do you use?

 

Mine has always sounded like a diesel when it starts up... and stays that way for...well, forever... I never thought it was something it worry about because the noise never goes away... how do I know this particular ticking noise is a bad noise??

I've always thought it sounds like an old Mercedes Diesel when it first turns on... :S

Is that bad???

 

Not good at all....Any way you could post a clip on you tube or something?

 

That is as bad as it gets. Engines where not build to have internal noises.
I would suggest before you do much more planning on different modifications that you have some one check this out.
Could be an exhaust noise, a bad oil filter, terrible oil pressure which was a problem for 03's rockers or lifter. Either way that noise, if internal is doing damage as it runs.

 

You know, my 96 Disco does something similar but I would not describe it as a ticking or knocking. Those sounds ofter are much more distinct and would no doubt cause much alarm. But my truck, upon occasional start-ups, will sound like a smooth diesel engine for just a bit and then the sound will dissapear. It doesn't run rough, nor is the engine loud. When it occurs in mine, it goes away somewhere between 1st and 2nd gears.

Search me, fella!
Cheers!

 

OIL pressure issue. You might want to look at the oil filter you are using and consider doing an engine flush to see if you can improve your lubrication.

 

I'm just throwin this out there, but when cats fail they can make a dieselish sound. Easy way to check is turn your engine on at idle and crawl underneath to see if your cats are the culprit.

 

or tap your cats with a rubber mallet. If it rattles, it is bad.