[Lynn]

Thought I would provide an update just in case anyone else runs across this issue. Went ahead and bought a set of self aligning rockers and new push rods. Measured, and sure enough there is enough clearance between the aligning nubs on the rockers and the retainers, allthought he exhaust is pretty close with the rotators on there.

First, if I had listened to Eric, I would not have had an issue. He told me that he "always" uses new rocker arms on a new build as cheap insurance. Should have listened.

The rockers looked pretty good to the naked eye, but then, I may not have used the set I THOUGHT I was using. I just noticed a set of truck heads in the garage that have almost no mileage or wear on them. I am betting I was thinking of those when I re-used this set.

As for the conversion: it worked great. Didn't take nearly as long as I was expecting. Biggest issue was this was on my farm truck, so I bruised a few ribs laying on the fenders.

Removed intake, valve covers rockers, push rods and lifters. I lined the valley very well with paper towels, and then lined it again with paper towels laced with wheel bearing grease to catch any shavings.

Even though only a few of the push rod guide holes were worn side to side, I chose to convert all to self aligning rockers. I drilled out all 16 holes with a 25/64ths bit. Probably could have used a 3/8, but my good 3/8 bit was not so good. Drilled slowly and with almost no down pressure. The bit will want to bite and jam, so you have to go slowly.

After drilling I swept the area both above the hole and below the hole with a strong magnet multiple times, and carefully removed all the lining from the valley. Swept everywhere I could with a magnet again. Then used cotton swabs dabbed in grease to pick up any little bits left behind.

Once I was satisfied that there were no shavings (I think old guys used to call it "swarf") I put her all back together with new push rods and self aligning rockers. It is a hydraulic roller, so easy peasy to adjust the valves.

Did all of this last weekend. Was not able to drive it until today. Probably just as well, as that gave the RTV sealer on the ends of the intake plenty of time to cure. Runs great, and no unusual noises. Only drove about 10 miles, but I did not baby it by any means. Pretty hard to baby with that 6.66 rear screw. 60 mph is about 4k rpm.

These heads weren't particulary valuable, but I did spend a few hundred having them trued up and the seats cut for new SS valves. Spent less than $120 on Melling rockers and push rods