I have something similar. Faint similar noise, like piston slap. Goes away once my oil temp hits ~170 degrees. I have no idea if it has been there all along. I did several mods to quiet the cab down, so possible I'm only now hearing it.
It appears the bracket is only included in the 3.5-4" shocks. Outside of Metal cloak with a bracket that turns the lower shock mount 90 degrees, I've never seen an aftermarket suspension manufacturer make a similar bracket. Doesn't it seem like it would put extra leverage force on the OEM shock...
Have a 4" lift with 37s. Metal Cloak suspension including sector shaft brace. Steering was great. Later, swapped out OEM ball joints for Dynatracs. No change in steering.
Don't you know that all of the various Ford forums are full of automotively satisfied people. And everything is paid for with smiles at your local Ford dealership
This Service Procedure for certain Broncos with Bilstein reservoir rear shocks that are potentially leaking and/or falling off. Just look to page 5, Figure 7 and Figure 8...