2004-V6-4Runner-Sport Edition ticking in engine during acceleration!!

I currently own a 2004-V6-4Runner-Sport Edition that I bought at the end of January. I have been hearing an extremely loud ticking noise in the engine during acceleration, especially @ high RPM's (traveling up hills, etc.). I want to believe that this noise is normal, because I am in love with this vehicle, however it is becoming a concern. I haven't addressed it to my dealership yet, because I wanted to do some research to see if anyone else has been experiencing the same problem. I would appreciate any help or information.

I am also hearing a grinding noise when only closing not opening my moonroof. So, if anyone has information on this also, it would be greatly appreciated. THANKS!!

Could it be pinging your hearing?

Pinging? It's almost like a rattling. It sounds like a 12yr. old vehicle, very embarrassing.

Pinging is just a common word. In reality, it does sound like rattling. Try higher octane gas.

But you are going to have to live with it. I have a 2003 V6 Sport Edition and have tried to live with it for over a year now. It is sooo annoying. I also feel as I am driving a heap of junk. I have contacted Toyota regarding this problem and they acknowledge that this is a problem in the engineering of the engine. They don't seem to be too much in a hurry to fix it as they told me that they dont' feel that it is hurting the engine any. I am suggesting the same thing to everyone. I would go to their website and under contacts select the FAQ. I have e-mailed them and written a letter to their corporate address in CA. The only way they will attempt to fix this is if there are enough people complaining about it. Higher octane gas will minimize the noise so it will still be there. So in the summer when I have my windows down I use Premium and in the winter when the windows are up I use Regular. Just my 2 cents...