I soaked 'em in oil before putting them in so they really should be fine. As for the preload, they're all torqued to spec. I'm clearly no expert on these engines, but I was under the impression that the 351W is supposed to be torqued (17-23 pounds) rather than doing the zero lash + half turn method.

 

I forgot you had stock stuff. I am no expert with those rockers but it sounds as if you need shims.

 

Well a new set of lifters did the trick. I figured that since the preload was off one way before they got pumped up and off the other way after, they were the common denominator. It sure sucked having the pull the intake off that thing after it was in the van