'00 5.0 L Expo- Engine Issues

[dirtalliance]

My '00 has 44K Miles on it and this weekend I was driving around 80-90 for a good 10-15 minutes on it and my check engine light started flashing.... I stop and in reverse, drive, etc the expo almost lurches forward slowly and also makes a tapping sound on the passenger side of the engine....

I was able to creep it at 60 MPH home (150 miles away) with no problems and now I need to get it fixed... First off, does anyone have any ideas what might be wrong with it?

I heard it may be the top end somewhere w/ a messed up rocker arm OR the rod bearing could have broke loose....

I am HOPING it is the top end, otherwise I could be screwed money wise....
I also dont think I would have been able to still drive the thing with a MAJOR problem.... any input?

What are your reccomendations? I need to get it diagnosed I imagine....

If it is something n the head.... Can't I do some mod's while I'm at it to beef it up and add power? I've heard new heads, etc etc... anyone want to break this down?

Thanks so much!

Travis//

 

[Turdle]

Does your ex have the tubular style exhaust manifolds? If so I'll bet a donut the passenger side is cracked
things to check other than that
Bad/ disconnected spark plug wire will tick
Egr pipe broken? ( runs from pass, exhaust manifold to upper intake manifold)
Take it to auto zone or oreillys, and have them scan the codes and post back here

as far as modifying, well

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/vbgarage.php?do=view&id=17822