'03 B2300 clutch

Had clutch replaced at 67K miles. Original symptom was noise when clutch out. It was diagnosed with a worn clutch to rivets. Possible since subject to city driving and read B2300(Ranger) clutches rated at 70K miles. After taking delivery, noticed noise which was prominent at higher gears, 3rd through 5th. Maybe, masked by road noise at lower gears. Sound is somewhere between a rattle and a tick and load related on acceleration and deceleration. Any insights appreciated.

Sounds more like a transmission problem. Those Mitsubisi 5-speeds are not known for their long life…

Is it noisy in neutral with the clutch released?

Generally, no. I have on occasion encountered a low knocking in neutral after vehicle driven a while, which would go away when I stepped on the clutch. I don’t have the problem when my AC isn’t running.