1996 4.0 grand cherokee ticking noise do valves need adjusting? not using any oil, oil pressure good

Not familiar with this specific engine, but I think you have adjustable rocker arms to adjust valve lash. May just need adjustment, but inspection will show if something is damaged.

If the engine is not making any ticking noise, I recommend replacing the oil pressure sending switch,sensor.

What kind of sound? If it's a ticking sound from inside the valve cover it could be a bad rocker arm, worn lifter or lifter & cam lobe or broken valve spring (needs to be looked at). If the noise is deep and best heard at the oil pan. it could be a rod bearing or main beginning to go but generally, that lowers oil pressure. Another item that sounds nearly the same is a cracked flywheel. Careful listening can often unravel this or have a very experienced tech look at it....(still your choice on who does the repair).

ticking can be a few problems that are not terminal first check oil if low top off and see if noise quiets down if oil good than have oil pressure checked -may be clogging or bad oil pump-check check where the ticking is coming from if its the head area than possible need to clean repair or replace a valve train part-[clogged push rod ,bad/need adjustment rocker sticking /bent valve oil return clogging /sludge] if coming from front of engine check the pulleys and water pump or fan for damage or debris a ticking noise usually is a noise that can be repaired just need to pinpoint the location

Most time a ticking noise is caused by a valve lifter malfunction or a worn pivot on a rocker arm. if the noise appears to be coming from the valve cover (inside) that's usually where the problem is. Depending upon which engine you have the repair procedure will vary. (consult a haynes or chilton manual)
Before taking anything apart though many times a lifter noise will respond to a good engine additive like marvel oil or lucas engine conditioner. Neither one will harm the engine and it may quiet it down for you!
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If your valves were fine in the past and they suddenly began to make noise then its a lifter or a cam problem. hydraulic lifters are not adjustable. 99 Cherokee 4.0 didn't have solid lifters.

No I would not chase to the pistons, these vehicle were very comon in creating HLA noise hydraulic lash adjusting valves, meaning the valves pump up with oil as the oil gets thinner they dont pump up as fast and create a very loud ticking noise, I would not express a great concern over simplicity, dodge was famous for this, they really were.

The ticking could be a spark plug wire shorted out to ground of which you can watch in the dark while the car is running and see if you see a plug wire jumping to ground which will look like a lightening bolt hitting the ground. It could also be a lifter making noise. Could be a exhaust leak. What is your oil pressure? Does your gauge tell you pounds of pressure or is it just a light?

Sounds like sending unit, should be located by where the oil filter is.

if the engine is running normal and there are no odd sounds from engine. probably needs oil pressure switch or bad connection at switch. any ticking noises and i would have pressure checked with guage