Fix or try to sell?

I need some advice for my 2000 4Runner. Bought it about 3 years ago with the mileage stating 157,000. I believe it was rolled back and actually has somewhere around 250,000+.
It's driven great the past 3 years but recently starting hearing a ticking sound.
I got an opinion from a mechanic who thinks it's the pistons/lifters.
Now my front steering rack has gone out and I havnt Been able to drive it.
Is it worth finding a new engine to be put in for it or get it fixed?
I've taken a pay cut with my new job so I've been stressing out on what I should do & if it’s even worth saving up to fix. I love my 4Runner & don't want to see it go but don't know how much I could get for it with a bad engine & want the reliability of a newer car.

 

Can you post an audio of the sound? My Y2K Limited made a tic-tic-tic sound when at idle and sped up with RPM changes around 250K miles. It just needed a valve adjustment.

 

I’ll attach an audio of the sound when I get Home later. Mine has been leaking oil as well. Someone also told me it may be the lifters making that tic

 

Replace the rack & keep driving it!!

 

Update the location in your profile and you may get some better answers.

 

Sound does get a lot quieter after warming up about 15 minutes.

 

Ooooo, that's loud.

 

Im a sell

 

I'd buy a new rack and head and go for another 100k.

Do people just chuck engines now for lifter noise? Seems excessive.

 

I would do an assessment of radiator possible acidic build up that destroys headgaskets. Then inspect tranny fluid for any issues. If these are good and frame is not too rusty , repair the rack and keep enjoying it.

 

Yup, either valve adjustment or a lifter needs attention. Mine was much quieter but identical sound.

 

Welcome. It all comes down your enjoyment of the truck itself. An engine swap (worst case scenario) would prove less expensive depending on which one you do.

If you are comparing replacement trucks at the same price of an engine swap, what would have to be done to those?