Classic/Antique Car Repair: Hyd. lifter install, ball nut, lifters

Question
Dick--totally confused on replacing hyd. lifters on my '58 Pont.,370-270hp. Adjust to zero lash?Adjust to factory torque on nut? Install lifter filled with oil or dry? Adjust to zero and add a pre-load (.020-.060) as some manufacturers suggest. Engine is in perfect running condition (oil primed), this is the only thing I am working on.   Thanks Darrell

Answer
The lifters will fill themselves. They will clack for a few minutes after you start it, but they will fill up automatically after a few minutes.   Just pull the right torque on the ball nut (20 ft lbs +/- 5) and let the self adjusters do their job.  

If you fill the lifters yourself first, you run a risk of pulling a stud out of the head when you try to set the torque.

Dick