Yes, you may find that lifters, or an oil pump, or bearings were the sole cause of a tick.
But, given the reputation of these engines, along with how good mine ran with worn bearings, cam, broken oil pump gear, yet didn't heat at 122k miles.
It's a gamble as what to expect, or find, when hunting for a noise.
My only real advice is hope for the best... and plan for the worst. And of course, I hoped and thought replace a few parts in it...and ended up needing a total rebuild.