Ticking Noise Coming From Transmission Driving Me Crazy

I had my lemon-y Dodge Dart's transmission worked on a couple months after I bought it - it stopped working at 3am on a highway one Saturday night. The guys "fixed" it but I noticed as it revved it ticked too - an irritating metallic noise, like something not lubrictaed or loose. It broke down maybe a month after that. In a panic, I took it elsewhere. Apparently the first guys had done a terrible job. Second "fix". It's been running for a year plus but the ticking is louder than ever. When the engine is cold I can't hear anything. But when it warms up, it flares up. Any diagnoses? I checked trans fluid and all appears well. Also the car feels very heavy when accelerating and doesn't change gears very gracefully. I should add it's an automatic, I think a 727 though not sure. The year is 1971. Needless to say it's got me pulling my hair out. Is there an appropriate emoji? #-o And after 2 very expensive rebuildings I'm not enthusiastic about spending more money on it. But at the same time don't want to keep pushing a faulty transmission.

Thanks!