A little update here.
So the last two oil changes I decided to run Redline 5w30, and I've mostly noticed the noise at idle/just off idle. Last night I drained out the oil and added 6 quarts/litres of Redline 5w20 and left the filter on which still has some leftover 5w30 in it of course.
This morning the truck is 75%, if not 80% quieter and doesn't seem to have as much noise.
Very weird considering most guys tell you to switch to 5w30
There has been a lot of movement on the just run 5w30 redline thing that started with justin and cold piston slap. There has been an evolution as guys have tried many things and fine tuned their strategy. Even though that formula likely has the best success rate, it doesn't mean that is the perfect formula for any truck, especially in cold places, we have found out other formulas actually fight the tick better. We have found out that 0w30 has been proven to be a better tick killer (in some trucks) when we are in cold climates. I agree if you are worried to do an oil analysis, but I also agree with all the folks that say it doesn't sound like much of an issue with the recordings you have provided.
Since you still believe there is an issue but 5w20 is better then 5w30 in your truck, I'd consider 0w30. We have guys that had some tick on 5w20 redline and cold slap with 5w30 redline figure out that 0w30 redline was the best formula for their engines,
@Hemi395 being leading the way on this. And he has tried many brands as well, all of them sounded like sewing machines except for the redline's, of which 0w30 seams to be the best. I don't think you much of an issue, but why not fine tune your strategy a bit, it has paid off for other guys especially in cold climates. 0w30 redline will have more cushioning at operating temp but also flow much better then their 5w30.
You never tried any other oil brand? You could always run some random oil and consider it a flush if it doesn't work out. The cheap brands of oil are not lacking any quality like the once did. Dexos specs really helped them, look for dexos. Kirkland oil is a hell of a play and very cheap, and in fact there have been a truck or two on the forum that did better with a different oil then redline, I believe those were PUP or PP can't really remember, but it is cheap to try new things if you are unsatisfied. Worst case the engine sounds louder and then you just go back to redline.
