Any one brand work better than another? What have you guys had good luck using?

 

I think most just go by what the engine builder recommends or do the math. Add/subtract for headgasket thickness and cylinder head milling-compare this to stock setup. Should give you a pretty good ball park figure.

 

Ballpark isn't close enough in most cases. I want to know for sure that I have the right length pushrods in there.

 

I just used a generic one I bought from a local speed shop. From there I use my calipers to get the length. They're just an adjustable length rod, I couldn't facilitate why one would be so much better than another.

BTW, everytime you post and I see my face, it freaks me out.

 

Ok, well here is one method of seeing if you have the right length or not..

.. Take one of your rocker arms off.(doesnt matter which one just one thats easy to get to.) Then take a magic marker, and color the tip of the valve stem that rides under the rocker arm you have removed.
reinstall the rocker arm. being carefull not to drag the part you just colored in to much.
start the truck, You can do this with the valve covers off, if you rig it up with everything out of the way. also as long as you dont rev the Engine to high it wont throw oil every where..
Now let the engine idle for about 30 sec.
take the rocker arm off that you marked up..
If the magic marker is rubbed away in the midle of the valve stem tip you have the right size..
if it is rubbed off on the header side of the valve stem you push rods are too long.
if it is rubbed off on the intake side of the valve stem it's to short.

hope this helps you out..
you will need to adjust in incriments of .025
dont jump to big.

I read this somewhere.. cant seem to find it.
I have tried it tho.. I went from 4.025's to 4.050 the .045's. the pushrod now rides right in the middle of the valve stem