Ticking at idle

You have a few things here.

Ticking is normally two things
1. The fan belt ticking as the join in the belt runs of the crankshaft pulley.
2. Valve lifter tappets can tick.

Neither of the above are particularly worrying.

The pop and sound like you have no exhaust is likely to be either a hole in the exhaust, a joint that has popped, or a hole in the flexible pipe that goes to the catalytic converter. You should be able to see this underneath with a flashlight with the truck ticking over.

Plug wires, as long as you didn't move them, all should be well.

Hesitation. Try cleaning the Throttle body and MAF sensor. Possibly check the spark plug condition and gap. Do them one a time.

Ford Windstar Starting/Stalling Problems - Car Forums at Edmunds.com

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Oct 16, 2007 - 31 posts - ‎26 authors
Learn more about Ford Windstar at the Edmunds.com Car Forums! ... I tried to startmy van on a 15 degree morning - heard a loud bang and now it won't start. Battery ....The engine will crank, start run about 5 seconds then stop. ... I have a 2003 Ford Windstar, same problem,Ford is covering up the problem.

Why My Car Won't Start? - Reasons and Solutions

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As a rough guideline, problems with the battery, alternator and starter are the most ...Before I even put the key into the ignition I hear a clicking noise on the right side ...started it and then it started making a loud clicking noise while I was driving it ..... i have a 2003 windstar ford it was clicking and wouldn't start had to get a ...

Rough Idle Engine Dies Loud Ticking!?! Please Help! - Ford Focus ...

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Nov 6, 2006 - Rough Idle Engine Dies Loud Ticking! ... down then dies and then i restart and it has no problems but the ticking continues PLEASE HELP ME ... Level Up0% Completed ... 2. my injectors are bad and the ticking sound is one of the injectors.... Another method is to turn the AM radio on to a place where there ...Missing: windstar

Fix your car right away by clicking the link I attached
2001 Pontiac Grand Prix GT Workshop Service Repair Manual

fuel filter,fuel pump,spark plugs,

Prognosis is really bad, hate to tell you. Ticking comes from the valve lifters, losing lubrication due to lack of pressure and running dry. At redlights, when revs are at idle, oil pressure drops a lot, and engine really suffers. Have the vehicle taken immediately to a shop for proper diagnose and to see if engine can still be saved. The loss of power comes from the valves not actuating properly. Hydraulic lifters need oil at a decent pressure to "charge" , and if not charged, they will stay compressed, ruining valve lifting operation.

If you have a Hemi you might have a broken manifold bolt that causes a leak that sounds like a tick.

Make sure the oil level is good, and have the oil pressure check by a garage or someone who can, by using a external gauge to see what the actual oil press is. Low oil pressure will give you the ticking, start there.

Check the Alternator / Powersteering belts .
One of them will be damaged and loose.
Hope this helps.

sounds to me maybe a sticky lifter and not building up with oil pressure,try adding 2 quarts of clean diesel fuel to your oil and let idle for about 10-15 minutes,if the ticking stops then change the oil and filter,then it was the lifter not building up with oil pressure

1. check all bat connections
2. check starter relay
3. check starter/and solenoid