If you plan to replace lifters anyway, there is no reason not to do a full delete.

 

If you pull the heads, there is no reason to go back with the DOD/AFM lifters. Unless you like doing that job several times.

 

+2 on that. You'll already be 80% of the way there in replacing the lifters. Just take those few extra steps and replace the cam, too. You'll need a tune, too.

 

Did you use some engine flush in the oil??? I would try that a few times.... carefully ... before spending a bunch of time or money. I used MMO (Marvel Mystery Oil) a few times to flush my 4.8L, it had a horrible tick, but two flushes and four oil/filter changes later, the tick was all gone..... has not returned in over four years, quiet as a mouse now and running smooth as a Cadillac.

If you do utilize some flush method, you gotta be careful you don't loosen up too much gunk too quickly, you might clog the oil pump or oil filter, which would be disastrous.

 

I recently did the AFM/DOD VVT delete. Well worth the little bit extra, and you can get yourself a choppy cam. Only thing I suggest is dropping that oil pan and replacing the pickup tube and O-Ring. Also the truck will not run or idle worth a damn until you get it tuned. I had a local guy that tunes boosted 5.3’s go over it and it was only $300 but this wasn’t a dyno tune.

 

This is what i did. Strait swap, Plug n Play and drive another day, with no delay.
I now have 700 miles on her and nothing but memories and future endeavors.