There are many engines that when you set the markes on the timing gears ar 6 O'clock for the cam and 12 O'clock for the crank gear you are on TDC overlap.
NOT TDC compression. Be sure to check that. with a stock type cam valves MAY actully be closed on Both of the TDCs.
Measuring the outside body of a lifter will tell you,.....the outside body size of the lifter. Which has nothing to do with lifter preload. If you need to use shims under the rocker pedesals Crane Cams has part number 99170-1.
Valves will not close all the way with Too much lifter preload.
Lifter preload explained in detail here:
CraneCams
scroll down the page to : What is Hydraulic Lifter Preload?