My doomed 408 build

WD-40 is not a lubricant! It is a cleaner and will dry up. Personally I use something like BP blaster that is a lubricant and a penetrate. Just four S's and G's I looked up Hughes push rod kits and I just couldn't believe my eyes!$195? I assume that's plus shipping? You do know Smith Brothers in Redmond Oregon has heat-treated 4130 custom pushrods likely sent to your door for under $100 correct? Maybe as long as a two-day turnaround but mostly a one-day... It's what they do...
I think for free they will send you an adjustable pushrod to make a template for the rest.. I think...