How to fix sticky lifter.

74 dart sport said
The bad lifter is the Exhaust lifter in the number 1 cylinder. The noise is getting worse, definitely going to replace before firing the engine up again! Will there be any harm in replacing the lifter through the valve cover instead through the intake manifold?

If you can fish it out there is no harm. If you get it out and the bottom of the lifter is concave then you need to replace the cam.