Glad I found this thread. I have the 5.7 liter non e-torque engine. My Longhorn is a definite lemon, so yet another problem doesn't surprise me in the least.
I just recently started hearing the clack, clack, clack at cold startup. I figured it was a lifter, valve, cam sort of issue.
My truck has about 5,400 miles on it now. I just changed oil for the second time at around 5,300 miles. The first oil change was about 2,200 miles.
The clack, clack, clack started at around 5,200 miles. I never heard it before then. So it happened before and after the last oil change. Two different filters.
The clacking noise can last up to a few minutes before it goes away. Sometimes it is as short as 15 seconds or so. I can only imagine the extent of wear that is taking place during this time period.
It took FCA and the dealer 1 year and 3 months to get most of the issues with this truck somewhat fixed. Because of this, with a little fighting involved, FCA gave me an 8 year bumper to bumper warranty. They refused to buy the lemon back.
I bought this truck now, to use as my retirement vehicle in less than 6 years. My thoughts were to pay for it while I'm still working, keep the mileage low and use it as my retirement vehicle. I drive a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited AWD as my daily driver. Not a single issue with that vehicle in the 9 years I've owned it. Just a crappy dealer in Harrisburg...
I'm sure my 8 year warranty will be long gone by the time the effects of engine wear manifests itself. Once again, FCA will screw me over and I'll be stuck.
I love FCA vehicles, but their quality is bottom of the line. Reliability is extremely poor.
Next time I have the truck at the dealer for some of the suspension clunks, I'll mention the cold start clacking, but I don't hold out much hope!