hey danny is it just in cold mornings or all the time, try changine oil if its just when its cold. if not yes you can def try new lifters they have some "improved" oiling capability (ie. larger holesl) and that might help your ticking, it could be something in there is cracked/broken, so get the lifters and when your in there check it out

1998 dodge avenger 4 cyl AT
Mods are:
Not enough