1999 5 speed

This is my first thread, sorry for the long post. I hope you experienced guys can help me figure this doozy out. One night after doing 90 down the CA-78 in 5th gear OD, a strange tick developed on my truck. :huh: It's like a ticking-rattle sound that occurs under no accel/no load conditions...

99 2.5 Lima, 5 speed (assume its an m50d), 235k...due to lack of time and poor planning lol, had trans shop replace clutch at 205k...they mentioned a "slight drag" going into 4th, citing possible synchro wear. It has become increasingly difficult to shift into 2nd and 4th now. Bought it with 46k...