I had a 1994 Rodeo that had the same tick...lots of mechanics said I needed to do lots of work on it...to be honest...I never did...the truck was running strong with 100K when I got rid of it. One of my mechanic buddies said it's the way a lot of Japenese trucks are machined...and to not worry about it. I'm driving a 1997 Trooper and it has the tick...I just ignore it. Sounds just like the Rodeo did...(cross my fingers) I'm hoping to get many years out of this truck...and...if it's like the rodeo...it won't leave me stranded anywhere...can't say much for my FIL's Jeep G Cherokee...I've had to pick him up in my isuzu at all hours of the night because of that thing breaking down...first time it only had 15K.