I have been a mechanic in USMC for 20 years, just bought a 96 rodeo for $500.00, body and interior is perfect, with lots of valve noise, just changed 24 lifters, the old lifters had no sponge, locked solid, bought new lifters still rattle what can i do??????????

 

Replace the cylinder heads. If lifters had more that .001" of clearance then it is out of tolerance, oil peed ports to the injectors could be partially clogged. You did not mention your oil pressure as if that is low it will cause clatter as well. Did you check the rocker arms for wear??

Hope this helps.