My 04 ram doesn't have mds, I had the heads shave 20 thousands before putting that engine back together with stock length pushrods... no lifter noise at all from it. Always thought about trying slightly longer pushrods in another and see if it does the same. Not sure how it would work with mds lifters though.

I also read about the redline 5w 30 working in place of 5w 20, but I never tried. I know for sure 10w30 even in mid summer heat will throw a code. I tried it last summer. I changed back to 5w20 and it went away... had to get emissions done and couldn't have a check engine light on.