Alright so for some reason yahoo answers won't let me add any additional notes or comments to the post... But the reason it needs a new pan is because the pan is basically rusted through... Same thing happened with the transmission pan as well. The "reason" they say it'll cost $600 is because apparently they have to lift the engine to change it.

Anyways since its a really bad idea to drive it at all while it ticks (even though my dad assures me that driving it for only 15 - 30 minutes should be fine, since its not bone dry) I have decided to ask a close relative to cover the cost to safety the truck and will then be paying them back when it sells... Problem solved.

You were told it needs a new pan. Did you get a second opinion? Have you crawled under it and looked at the pan? Is it cracked? Did anyone explain to you why it would need a new pan? Is the gasket leaking? UNless the pan has a big old crack in it, there's no reason to put a new one on. Even so, an oil pan is less than a 100 bucks. Someone is trying to rip you off. Find another mechanic

Why not get a used oil pan from a salvage yard for half price? Why don't you keep oil with you knowing you will need it. Why would anybody run an engine that is ticking knowing it is because of low oil? I wouldn't buy that truck on a bet.

Valve lifters not getting enough oil, PLUS other major parts of the engine. It will ruin the engine ! I've been a mechanic for over 50 years !

It is ticking because there is not enough oil getting to the lifters there for not enough oil to other parts as well. Of corse it is not good for the engine, keep a reserve of oil and check and fill oil before it is too lowe,

Hello, so a few months ago I was told my Ram 1500 would need a new oil pan (with a price tag of about $600) and I only work part time so I haven't been able to afford it.

So basically once it started leaking I just keep topping the oil up in hopes that the truck will sell (currently selling it) before I have to borrow money to fix it. The problem with that of course is that nobody wants to buy it because of the oil pan issue.

Now, whenever the oil gets really low the engine will start ticking, and I end up driving it for about 30 minutes while its ticking to go buy oil. Once the oil is in, it stops ticking.

So the question is, will driving it while its ticking from really low oil cause any permanent damage? Keeping in mind I don't drive more than 30 mins with it ticking, and it always stops ticking once the oil is in.