Jeep Strokers

i have a 1996 grand bought it needing a water pump replaced that. it ran with a tic so 15000 miles and still has a tic more so when cold after reading on this and my uncle stan i think it may be the timming chan. it doesnt make any noise under load or if you give it some gas runs like a top. i drive it 40 miles a day every day m-t . i just want to know if any one has a thouht on this?????????

Pull the timing cover and inspect things is a start of you don't have any other areas/parts to suspect.

Is it more of a dull rhythmic tap or a sharp rhythmic sound?

its dull i think . its not sharp .its only at idle less so when warm .its been 15000 miles same noise not worse not better just the same. thanks for all of your input. i was going to pull the motor strok it but i thought the motor would blow up. but it wont. i do have a 1998 4.0 109000miles and a runing 1981 j10 4.2 just dont want to pull a good motor if i dont have to. the other to motors are something i want to do just need $$$$$ to get it done want to do the poor mans stroker sorry about the book.

Sounds like piston slap possibly, which these engines are known for. Probably run another 100,000 miles like that. Also, check your flex plate bolts. That sound is usually sharper though.