My 97 Ram, 5.9 with only 142,000 original miles on it has started to give off what sounds like valve clatter or something else in the valve train.

I hear it very faintly when when taking off from a stop, generally just before it shifts into second gear at around 1,900 RPM.
Seems like it is getting worse and sometimes a little louder.

I can also hear it sometimes when going 65 mph with the overdrive shut off.
I think I had read these motors had weak valve springs or something like that.
My oil pressure is normal. I have owned the truck about 5 years and have had it at WOT many times.

Question I have is, how fast will this condition deteriorate?
The truck is very clean, but I am not up to repairing this myself, and probably not worth paying to have it done.

I only drive the truck about 2,000 miles a year so maybe I can just tuff it out.
Guess this motor is not Ram tough.

Anyone deal with an issue like this with the 5.9?

Thanks in advance.

The 360 mag IS a tough engine if it treated right. The problem you describe is usually due to a clogged oil pickup screen causing oil pressure loss and airation. The pickup screen is only half the size of the LA 360 motors of years past, so they will clog easier. Check for oil pressure loss with a manual gauge not the POS in the dash first to see if it drops off at high rpm and comes back up when the engine is at idle.

Have someone check the timing for you at idle and around 2000 rpm. See if it jumps up too high at any certain rpm. The valve springs are beehive springs and are pretty durable, especially with a stock hyd roller.

Sure it's lifter noise and not ping?? Those things will ping when the intake gasket leak....common problem.

Gas quality has been very poor in my area for the last 3-4 months, I've had to bump up a grade to stop detonation in my truck. Also above poster is correct, sheild gaskets on bottom of intake go bad often, vacuum leak can lean fuel mixture.