Engine/Transmission noise
 

We bought a 03 XL7 about a year ago. We've never owned a Suzuki but we were in a pinch and everything checked out at the time. I've done a few minor repairs like changing the radiator and the belts and for the most part its been a good vehicle other than an oil leak that I've narrowed down to the valve cover gaskets. I'm going to change those today. Last week it started making a ticking noise in the engine, and I noticed that as i accelerate, especially on hills there is a kind of ticking sound coming from what I think is the torque converter. Its making the same noise that my 85 Gran Prix made when the torque converter went out. It also seems to struggle a little going up hills. It has 197,000 miles and I dont really know the history on it. I've seen some forums that made me think timing chain or tensioner but it doesn't seem to be the same noise in the engine. Also the truck has died a couple times immediately after starting it and after i replaced the plugs and coils a few days ago the idle will be fine at about 1100 rpms and drop to about 6-700 rpms and then go back up. Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated