I am installing new lifters,i have smith brothers adjustable pushrods, i have the front cylinder at TDC,so i am trying to remove front pushrods,so i am trying to get slack out of pushrod but nuts are all touching and they are not loose enough ,am i doing it *** backwards, have done it before ,but what am i forgetting?

 

You want to remove pushrods on a cylinder when the cam lobs for that cylinder are on their base circle. In this position, the lifter spring is at its most relaxed position with minimal force against the pushrod. Additionally, some brands of adjustable pushrods will require the removal of the lifter blocks. Below is a link to an excellent video on the subject