Engine ticking noise

it could be a bad lifter, some of these with high mileage would wear the lifter bore out as well but only way to see it is to look. you can try one of the chemical additives to fix it.

The only thing you could try that doesn't involve removing the head and changing the lifter out would be to add something like marvel mystery oil to the oil and see if it cleans out the crud in the lifter.
First I would change the oil with a synthetic, then add the MMO following the directions and hope it does the trick. The other option is to pull the head and replace the bad lifter.

If I replace the lifters, I have to replace the camshaft as well, from what I have been told.

no only if the bottom of lifter is bad and worn.

I'm going to get oil and additive now. I'll try that and let you know how it does. So If that doesn't work I can put a different lifter in it and not have to replace the camshaft?

as long as the lifter isn't cupped or worn on the bottom it's ok. if it is cupped then the cam is worn as well and will need replacing. if it looks shiny most of the time it's good to go with a new lifter

Just tried the oil and oil additive, and it's still doing it.. Guessing my next step is to pull the head off and check the lifters.

ya know this stuff doesn't work instantly you have to give it at least 100 miles of driving. also when you adjusted valves did you adjust them correctly?

Adjusted valves? The rocker arm?

That engine should have roller lifters in it as well, Shouldn't need to worry about the cam as long as the roller is OK.
The additives take a bit to work, they need to circulate and dissolve the crud.

the rocker arms should have been put on in the order they were removed then on reinstall torqued down to 22 ft. lbs.yes it has roller rockers.

Then yes, the manual told me 19ft lbs though

You will be okay @ 20

They are tightened down to 19, which is what the repair manual states.