My truck ticks, clunks, and rattles

Here the info
2004 TRD off road, 5spd, V6, 180,000
I have been the owner for about 8 months and these problems are listed in the order I noticed them.

The ticks
After the truck is COMPLETELY warmed upped, there is a very rapid and loud ticking sound that can be heard by while driving between 2000 rpm and 3500 rpm after that engine noise drowns it out. Its very noticeable in the cab and from both seats and sound like is coming from just beyond the steering column. The ticking does not seem to speed up as rpm increases and will do it in neutral. If you are listening next to the engine with the hood open you can't really hear it. Again, the sound is non existent until it has fully warmed up. So when I had the timing belt changed I asked the mech to see if he could figure out what it was, but he did not drive the truck for long enough to ever hear it. I am completely baffled by this one.

The clunks
I think something between the steering wheel and the front tires is loose or needs replacing. While driving on fire roads I feel a pretty distinct clunk in the steering when I go over certain pot holes. Not all of them and I cannot tell if it is wheel specific. I have also noticed it slightly while driving at 50 and hitting bumps. The steering system seems to activate very well but if I twist the wheel back and forth I can feel a very slight delay in engagement. Before a big road trip this winter I took the truck to les schawb and they said the entire front end looked great, also the previously mentioned mechanic gave the whole system the all clear as well so I not sure where to look.

The rattles
This one started on the December road trip, it started as a very slight rattle in the dash board right around the passenger airbag. It has sense gotten a lot worse and is driving me crazy. It is not anything in the glove box rolling around and the whole ventilation system is still working great at the moment.

If you would not mind taking a moment and helping me figure out the best way to address these issues. I have been living with them all for a while not and I can't stand it any more. I am not a great wrench myself and don't really know where to start with any of these issues. I also don't want to just drop my truck off at a shop and let the mechanic run mile long bill trying to diagnose these things. So any help would be awesome! Also, If anyone lives in the Wenatchee WA area who would at least help me diagnose these problems I would be very grateful and buy you some beer of your choice.

Thanks
Eric

 

The ticks:
If you can re-produce it in the driveway, try to find out what exactly is making the tick sound. An automotive 'stethoscope' would help.
Since it is not related to speed, or RPM, I'm thinking it might be a relay that is clicking on and off.

Rattles:
This is very common. You'd have to take apart the dash and tighten all the fasteners or secure any loose wires. What most guys do, including me, is to wedge a small piece of foam (or ?) between the windshield glass and the edge of the dash.