Lifter preload...more or less?

I'm saying I've been a carpenter over 50 years and can accurately measure using all manner of instruments. Using an approved adjustable push rod and approved methods in 4 locations my pushrod length is 7 3/8" or 7.375 as a decimal against a stock rod of 7.5" the difference between the 2 is .125 or 1/8 inch which using the stock rod in the valve trains current situation would theoretically would give double the Lunati recommended recommended preload of 0.060.
I had shims and the stock rods but it was very noisy. Upon removing the shims and with the stock rods it sound better/normal.