I had a 1997 that ticked and I tried all types of oil and filters to get rid of it. Nothing worked until I used a 5-30 with Rislone (engine additive). This cured it almost immediately and it didn't return while I had the truck.
Have never had ticking in my 2000, and have used 5-30 synthetics of variuos brands with no tick.
Now also have a 2001 (35K) that seems to tick a bit. I have just begun using a 10-30 regular oil with Rislone combination and will see where this takes me.