Author Topic: Push rods for a fresh 445 build  (Read 331 times)

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petew

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Push rods for a fresh 445 build
« on: July 15, 2026, 08:01:37 AM »
As I assemble this 445 stroker build I am approaching the point where I will need pushrods . This build is using a pretty common recipe and I was wondering if there was an "off the shelf" push rod that will work ?
The build uses a 390 block that had not seen any machining since it was originally built . The deck surfaces were squared  , the heads are Trickflow , the camshaft is one of Brents custom grind hydraulic rollers and the rockers are Harland Sharp units.
If custom pushrods are required who is a good source and when measuring I would think you measure from the bottom of the cup to the tip of the ball ?

blykins

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Re: Push rods for a fresh 445 build
« Reply #1 on: July 15, 2026, 08:22:23 AM »
Need to measure.

You can go to Smith Brothers for push-sticks.  Get a good pushrod length checker that has the correct ends:  5/16" ball on lifter end and 3/8" cup on rocker end. 

Get your length(s), then call them and ask if they want an OAL measurement or bottom of cup measurement.  If BOC, put a ball bearing in the cup, measure the overall length, then subtract the diameter of the ball bearing.

Pay attention to where Harland Sharp wants the adjuster placement when you measure and make sure the cup on your length checker does not contact the rocker arm body at full lift.
Brent Lykins
Lykins Motorsports
Custom FE Street, Drag Race, Road Race, and Pulling Truck Engines
Custom Roller & Flat Tappet Camshafts
www.lykinsmotorsports.com
brent@lykinsmotorsports.com
www.customfordcams.com
502-759-1431
Instagram:  brentlykinsmotorsports
YouTube:  Lykins Motorsports

petew

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Re: Push rods for a fresh 445 build
« Reply #2 on: July 15, 2026, 09:29:53 AM »
Got it , thanks

petew

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Re: Push rods for a fresh 445 build
« Reply #3 on: July 16, 2026, 10:03:10 AM »
Since the TFS valve springs are like 440 over the nose of the lobe what style of pushrod and wall thickness should I order .
Smith Brothers order sheet lists taper , double taper and a couple of different wall thicknesses.

blykins

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Re: Push rods for a fresh 445 build
« Reply #4 on: July 16, 2026, 11:06:21 AM »
For a hydraulic roller, I'd do something like a 5/16" .080" wall. 

You do not need any taper at this level.
Brent Lykins
Lykins Motorsports
Custom FE Street, Drag Race, Road Race, and Pulling Truck Engines
Custom Roller & Flat Tappet Camshafts
www.lykinsmotorsports.com
brent@lykinsmotorsports.com
www.customfordcams.com
502-759-1431
Instagram:  brentlykinsmotorsports
YouTube:  Lykins Motorsports

petew

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Re: Push rods for a fresh 445 build
« Reply #5 on: July 16, 2026, 11:44:37 AM »
Most helpful , thanks again.

MRadke

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Re: Push rods for a fresh 445 build
« Reply #6 on: July 16, 2026, 12:48:02 PM »
Need to measure.

You can go to Smith Brothers for push-sticks.  Get a good pushrod length checker that has the correct ends:  5/16" ball on lifter end and 3/8" cup on rocker end. 

Get your length(s), then call them and ask if they want an OAL measurement or bottom of cup measurement.  If BOC, put a ball bearing in the cup, measure the overall length, then subtract the diameter of the ball bearing.

Pay attention to where Harland Sharp wants the adjuster placement when you measure and make sure the cup on your length checker does not contact the rocker arm body at full lift.

Am I missing something?  Wouldn't you add the diameter of the ball bearing?

blykins

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Re: Push rods for a fresh 445 build
« Reply #7 on: July 16, 2026, 01:00:53 PM »
Need to measure.

You can go to Smith Brothers for push-sticks.  Get a good pushrod length checker that has the correct ends:  5/16" ball on lifter end and 3/8" cup on rocker end. 

Get your length(s), then call them and ask if they want an OAL measurement or bottom of cup measurement.  If BOC, put a ball bearing in the cup, measure the overall length, then subtract the diameter of the ball bearing.

Pay attention to where Harland Sharp wants the adjuster placement when you measure and make sure the cup on your length checker does not contact the rocker arm body at full lift.

Am I missing something?  Wouldn't you add the diameter of the ball bearing?

No sir.  A bottom of cup measurement is the distance from the end of the lifter end of the pushrod to the bottom of the cup.  If you put a ball bearing in the cup, then measure OAL, you would need to subtract the diameter of the ball bearing to get the bottom of cup measurement.
Brent Lykins
Lykins Motorsports
Custom FE Street, Drag Race, Road Race, and Pulling Truck Engines
Custom Roller & Flat Tappet Camshafts
www.lykinsmotorsports.com
brent@lykinsmotorsports.com
www.customfordcams.com
502-759-1431
Instagram:  brentlykinsmotorsports
YouTube:  Lykins Motorsports