Hydraulic lifter preload

Not by my definition. I don't go by the thread pitch. I go by how far the rocker pushes the plunger into the body of the lifter. Generally, I aim for .025" - .030". Easily measured by scribing the pushrod. Nine times out of ten I've found through the years that 1/4 to 1/2 turn down from zero lash gets them right in the ballpark.
Sounds like you've done it a few times.
You really don't want to go over a 1/2 turn.