Well, I installed the new intake/exhaust manifold gasket and it seemed like it was the right gasket, and i had no issues with the ports not lining up at all. So I have the exhaust and intake manifold torqued down to spec and now it sounds 90% better than it did last night.
So there is the tick, Im pretty sure its a lifter, maybe more than one that is not working correctly or failed. I've already bought the head gasket in preparation for this, so I guess the head will most likely come off tomorrow, unless you guys have a suggestion for something else it may be.
Using a wood dowel as a "redneck stethoscope" type deal, I've determined that the noise is definitely up top. The lower end actually is really quiet and not making much noise at all, so I'm happy about that. Most of the noise is from the head gasket and up, and its pretty much the same volume across the head.
When revving it up, it makes a more noticeable rattle as it decelerates in rpms. I am not driving it still, I would like to get the jeep running right before I take it back out of the garage. I also have a youtube video I made for shi**s and giggles, you can check it out, maybe it will give you a little more insight on whats going on.
FOREWARNING YOU, It is my first youtube video ever, and its from my iphone, so sorry if the quality is bad.
http://youtu.be/eA75vIS03nE
And apparently, I cannot figure out how to embed the video either. So sorry for the extra link
http://youtu.be/eA75vIS03nE