Detonation is the knocking you refered to. It usually is most pronounced under load or acceleration not so much at idle. The noise is likely from some other source.

Is the ticking something new?

Fuel injectors make a small ticking sound each time the actuate.

Some times a sticky valve can make a tick/tap noise as the cam lobe hits it.

Maybe some Sea Foam in the oil and fuel could help clean it out.

1995 4Runner Limited V6 3.4 Liter 5 Speed 4x4
1995 4Runner V6 Auto 2WD