So for the past 6 months or so my engine will make a tapping/ ticking? Noise. Increases with throttle. Something in the valve train I'm sure. I thought lifters, replaced those about a year ago. I'm running 10w40 right now, would switching to rotella 15w40 be a good idea? I've heard these engines do well with that oil anyways

 

putting thicker oil is not a fix thats just dumb, odds are if youve been driving 6 months with that noise the damage has alredy been done. it still can be your lifters, I do know sometimes you need to tighten them down after a few 100 miles just due to them seating.

 

Check your exhaust for leaks.

 

I realize thicker oil is not a fix. But it's a 26 year old truck that's mostly original, I'm not trying to tear into this engine again if I don't have to, I just thought maybe the oil would help to quiet it down.

I thought maybe I needed to tighten down the rockers after a few hundred miles after installing the new lifters, which was when the noise appeared. They were still tight so no adjustment was made

 

Exhaust does leak. Egr tube is gone, and not plugged properly

 

Also, your valvetrain is nonadjustable so you won't be able to adjust your rocker arms as someone above suggested.

 

I think that's your problem.

 

But that issue has been there before, I don't see how it could've gotten worse. It could be. But I was thinking lifters. I'll take a look at it either way. Thanks

 

I run 15w 40 in my 95 and she seems to like it a lot

 

EGR missing can also cause detonation which makes a sound like you are describing. Its really hard to diagnose something with entire systems missing. Have you tried pulling error codes.