If your 5.7 Hemi has started ticking, knocking on cold starts, or throwing a misfire code on a cylinder that runs MDS, you already know what is coming. The factory hydraulic roller lifters on the Hemi are a known weak point, and once a roller seizes or collapses it can wipe a cam lobe in short order. Swapping in a quality aftermarket lifter set is the single most important decision in that repair, because a bad set will simply fail again and take your fresh camshaft with it.
We dug through the lifter sets that actual Hemi builders and DIY wrenches trust, focusing on roller quality, MDS versus non-MDS fitment, and how each kit behaves after thousands of miles. Whether you are doing a straight refresh on a 2009 to 2026 Ram 1500, a 300C, a Charger, or a Grand Cherokee, these are the seven sets worth your money. We also flag which ones let you delete MDS entirely, since that is the most reliable long-term fix for many owners.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
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COMP Cams 89221-16 Short Travel Hydraulic Roller Lifters Best Overall Short travel hydraulic roller, set of 16, non-MDS style for full delete builds |
9.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Hylift Johnson Hydraulic Roller Lifters for 5.7 6.1 6.4 Hemi Best OE-Quality OE-grade hydraulic roller lifters, available in MDS and non-MDS sets |
9.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Melling JB-2058 Hydraulic Roller Lifter Set Best Value Set Complete hydraulic roller lifter set with retainer guides, non-MDS fitment |
9.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Dorman 920-300 MDS Lifter and Yoke Assembly Set Best MDS Replacement MDS-specific lifters with yoke and retainer assemblies for deactivation cylinders |
8.9 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
BTR Brian Tooley Racing Hemi Hydraulic Roller Lifters Best for Performance Builds Heavy-duty hydraulic roller lifters built for higher spring pressures, non-MDS |
8.8 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Sealed Power HT-2268 Hydraulic Roller Lifter Most Widely Available OE-style hydraulic roller lifter, sold individually or as a set, non-MDS |
8.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
ENGINETECH HTL2058 Hydraulic Roller Lifter Set Best Complete Refresh Kit Full set of 16 hydraulic roller lifters with guides, non-MDS, complete-job oriented |
8.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. COMP Cams 89221-16 Short Travel Hydraulic Roller Lifters: Best Overall
COMP Cams built its reputation on roller lifters that survive aggressive valvetrains, and the 89221-16 set is the one we kept coming back to for the 5.7 Hemi. The short travel piston design means there is less internal plunger movement, so the lifter primes faster on cold starts and resists the pump-up that causes valve float when you lean on the engine. The captured needle bearing rollers are noticeably better finished than the factory units, which is exactly where stock Hemi lifters tend to let go.
The honest catch is that this is a non-MDS style set aimed at builders who are deleting cylinder deactivation. If you want to keep MDS working on a 4-cylinder-mode truck, this is not the drop-in answer, and you will need a delete kit plus the matching valve cover gaskets and PCM tune. For anyone refreshing a Hemi with a fresh cam and committing to an MDS delete, though, this set is about as confidence-inspiring as a roller lifter gets.
- Short travel piston design reduces aeration and pump-up at high rpm
- Captured needle bearings on the roller resist the seizing that kills factory lifters
- Sold as a full set of 16 so you replace every lifter at once
Pros: Proven roller durability trusted by serious Hemi and LS builders; Short travel design holds lash better under spirited driving; Ideal companion for an MDS delete and aftermarket cam
Cons: Designed for non-MDS or delete builds, so MDS cylinders need a delete kit; Premium pricing relative to basic stock-style sets
2. Hylift Johnson Hydraulic Roller Lifters for 5.7 6.1 6.4 Hemi: Best OE-Quality
Hylift Johnson is one of the actual manufacturers that has supplied hydraulic lifters to OE programs, and that pedigree shows in this Hemi set. If your goal is to put the engine back to a quiet, reliable, factory-feel state rather than build a high-rpm monster, these are arguably the smartest pick. The machining is clean, the rollers spin freely, and the bleed-down behavior matches what the Hemi valvetrain was designed around, so you get that dead-quiet idle back.
The thing to watch is ordering discipline. These come in MDS and non-MDS versions, and the two are not interchangeable, so you have to confirm whether your truck or car actually runs cylinder deactivation before you buy. They also are not the set to reach for if you are chasing a big lift, high-spring-pressure combo, since OE-style rollers prefer to live within sane valvetrain loads. For a stock or mild rebuild, the value here is excellent.
- Made by an original equipment lifter manufacturer for genuine OE quality
- Offered in both MDS and standard versions to match your exact engine
- Tight machining tolerances for quiet, consistent valvetrain operation
Pros: True OE-level quality without the dealer parts counter wait; Direct fit that keeps factory MDS function when you choose the MDS set; Quiet operation that genuinely silences the Hemi tick when paired with a good cam
Cons: You must order the correct MDS or non-MDS variant or fitment will be wrong; Less margin for aggressive aftermarket spring pressures than a race roller
3. Melling JB-2058 Hydraulic Roller Lifter Set: Best Value Set
Melling is one of those names that has been quietly supplying oil pumps, lifters, and timing components for decades, and the JB-2058 set carries that no-drama reputation. For a Hemi owner who just wants the ticking gone and the engine to behave like it did when it was new, this set hits the sweet spot of quality and value. The rollers are properly hardened and the set is complete, so you are not hunting for extra pieces mid-job.
Where it stops short is performance ambition. This is a restore-to-stock-character set, not a part you choose because you are running heavy beehive springs and a fat cam. It is also a non-MDS oriented set, so the usual asterisk applies for trucks running cylinder deactivation. Treat it as the dependable, sensible choice for a daily 1500 or a 300, and it will quietly do its job for a very long time.
- Backed by Melling, a long-established engine component brand
- Includes the roller lifters needed for a full Hemi refresh
- Designed to restore quiet, stock-like valvetrain operation
Pros: Trusted name with broad parts-store availability; Strong everyday durability for a daily-driven truck; Good value for owners doing a complete cam and lifter job
Cons: Non-MDS oriented, so MDS deletes still need the supporting parts; Not aimed at high-spring-pressure performance builds
4. Dorman 920-300 MDS Lifter and Yoke Assembly Set: Best MDS Replacement
The MDS lifters are usually the first to fail on a Hemi, so a set that targets them directly is genuinely useful. Dorman’s 920-300 assembly includes the special collapsing MDS lifters along with the yoke and retainer pieces those cylinders need, which is exactly the hardware that goes missing or gets mangled during a failure. If you are committed to keeping cylinder deactivation rather than deleting it, this is the path of least resistance and it bolts in with no tune required.
Be clear-eyed about the trade-off, though. The MDS lifter design is the reason so many Hemis tick in the first place, so even with fresh parts you are reinstalling the more fragile system. For owners who plan to keep the truck a long time, many builders argue an MDS delete is the more permanent answer. As a faithful factory-style repair that preserves the original setup, however, this Dorman set is the most honest option on the list.
- Purpose-built MDS lifters that keep cylinder deactivation functioning
- Includes the yoke and retainer hardware MDS cylinders require
- Direct replacement that bolts in without engine recalibration
Pros: One of the few sets specifically aimed at the failing MDS lifters; Saves you from a full MDS delete if you want factory behavior kept; Comes with the supporting hardware that other sets omit
Cons: MDS lifters remain inherently more failure-prone than a delete; Only covers the MDS cylinders, so you still need standard lifters for the rest
5. BTR Brian Tooley Racing Hemi Hydraulic Roller Lifters: Best for Performance Builds
Brian Tooley Racing earned its name in the LS world, and that same obsession with valvetrain durability carries into its Hemi roller lifters. If your rebuild includes a meatier camshaft and upgraded springs, ordinary OE-style rollers can struggle, and this is where BTR’s heavier-duty design earns its place. The rollers and bearings are built to take the punishment of higher spring loads, which is precisely what fails a budget set in a hot combo.
The flip side is that this set is more than a stock Hemi needs. If you are simply curing a tick on a daily-driven 1500 and reinstalling a factory-grade cam, you are paying for capability you will never use. It is also a non-MDS set, so it assumes you are deleting deactivation. For a genuine performance build, though, this is the lifter we would trust behind an aggressive cam.
- Beefed-up roller and bearing design for aggressive cam profiles
- Engineered to tolerate higher valve spring pressures than OE rollers
- Favored in performance Hemi and swap builds for durability
Pros: Holds up to bigger cams and stiffer springs better than stock-style sets; Strong reputation among the Hemi and LS performance crowd; Pairs naturally with a full MDS delete combo
Cons: Overkill for a purely stock daily-driver refresh; Non-MDS only, so cylinder deactivation must be deleted
6. Sealed Power HT-2268 Hydraulic Roller Lifter: Most Widely Available
Sealed Power has been on parts-store shelves for generations, and the HT-2268 is the dependable, always-in-stock option when you need Hemi roller lifters now. It is an OE-style design, so the focus is on quiet, predictable operation rather than chasing rpm. For a straightforward refresh where you just want known-good rollers that any shop will recognize, this is a sensible, low-risk choice.
The minor annoyance is that these are often sold as individual lifters, so assembling a full set of sixteen means keeping count and making sure you order enough, including a couple of spares. It is also a standard-duty roller, so it is happiest behind a stock or mild cam rather than a high-pressure spring package. Within those limits, it is among the most accessible and trustworthy stock-replacement lifters you can buy for the 5.7.
- Long-standing Sealed Power engine parts brand with wide distribution
- OE-style roller design for quiet stock-character operation
- Available individually so you can build the exact count you need
Pros: Easy to source from almost any parts supplier; Reliable stock-replacement quality for a standard refresh; Flexibility to buy singles for spares or partial jobs
Cons: Buying singles to make a set can get tedious to track; Standard-duty design, not for aggressive performance springs
7. ENGINETECH HTL2058 Hydraulic Roller Lifter Set: Best Complete Refresh Kit
Enginetech specializes in complete engine rebuild kits, so it makes sense that its HTL2058 lifter set is geared toward the person tearing the whole top end down at once. You get all sixteen roller lifters plus the guides in one package, which removes the guesswork of piecing a set together. For a comprehensive refresh where you are already replacing the cam, gaskets, and timing components, having the lifter side handled in a single box is a real convenience.
The honest weakness is consistency. As a value-focused rebuild-kit brand, the occasional roller can show rougher finishing than a premium set, so we strongly recommend spinning and inspecting every lifter before it goes in. Like most of the durable options here, it is a non-MDS oriented set built for stock-style spring pressures, not a hot cam. For a careful DIYer doing a full refresh on a budget, though, it covers the job competently.
- Sold as a complete set of 16 with the retainer guides included
- Aimed at owners doing a full cam, lifter, and gasket refresh
- OE-style rollers for restoring quiet stock operation
Pros: Everything for the lifter side of the job in one box; Sensible value for a complete teardown and rebuild; Widely used in budget-conscious Hemi cam jobs
Cons: Quality control can vary, so inspect every roller before install; Non-MDS oriented and not built for performance spring loads
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes the 5.7 Hemi lifter tick in the first place?
The classic Hemi tick almost always traces back to the hydraulic roller lifters, and most often the MDS (cylinder deactivation) lifters specifically. These lifters use needle-bearing rollers that ride on the cam lobes, and over time the bearings can seize or the lifter can collapse, which lets the roller skid instead of spin. Once that happens it both makes noise and quickly grinds a flat spot into the camshaft lobe. Oil quality, missed oil changes, and the inherent fragility of the MDS design all accelerate it. That is why a tick should never be ignored, because a cheap lifter problem can become a cam-and-lifter problem if you keep driving on it.
Do I need MDS lifters or non-MDS lifters for my Hemi?
It depends entirely on whether your engine actually uses cylinder deactivation. Many Ram 1500 trucks and several car platforms run MDS, which deactivates four cylinders under light load to save fuel, and those specific cylinders use special collapsing lifters with yokes. If you keep MDS, you must use MDS lifters in those four bores and standard roller lifters everywhere else. The cleaner long-term route that many builders prefer is an MDS delete, where you install all non-MDS lifters, a non-MDS or delete-friendly cam, the delete valve cover hardware, and a supporting tune. Check your VIN or build sheet before ordering, because installing the wrong type will not work.
Should I replace the camshaft when I replace the lifters?
In most cases, yes. If a lifter failed or even ticked for a while, the roller has likely been rubbing on the lobe and there is a strong chance the cam is already worn, even if it looks acceptable to the eye. Reusing a marginal cam with fresh lifters is a common way to find yourself doing the whole job twice. At minimum, inspect every lobe carefully under good light for flat spots, scoring, or color change. Since you already have to pull a lot of the top end apart to reach the lifters, the labor to also swap the cam is small relative to the risk of leaving a damaged one in place.
Can I replace just the failed lifter, or do I have to do all 16?
You can physically replace a single lifter, but doing all sixteen is the strongly recommended approach and what most reputable shops insist on. The remaining factory lifters are the same age and design as the one that failed, so they are likely next in line. Reusing old lifters on a fresh or existing cam also risks mixing wear patterns. Lifters are not the expensive part of this job, the labor is, so it makes little sense to open the engine and gamble on the survivors. Replace the full set, and if there is any doubt about the cam, replace that too while you are in there.
Will new aftermarket lifters permanently fix the Hemi tick?
Quality lifters paired with a good cam and proper installation will silence the tick and, in most cases, keep it gone for the long haul. The biggest variable is whether you keep or delete MDS. Reinstalling fresh MDS lifters restores factory behavior but keeps the more failure-prone system, so some owners eventually choose an MDS delete for reassurance. Beyond the parts, the install matters enormously. Priming the lifters, setting everything to spec, using the correct oil, and keeping up with oil changes all determine how long the repair lasts. Do it right with a reputable set and the tick should not return.
Our Verdict
For most 5.7 Hemi owners, the COMP Cams 89221-16 short travel hydraulic roller set is our top pick, because its short travel design and well-finished rollers give you the best shot at a quiet, durable fix, especially as part of an MDS delete. If you want a true factory-feel repair without committing to a delete, the Hylift Johnson set is the runner up thanks to its genuine OE-level quality and the option to match either MDS or non-MDS fitment. Whichever you choose, do all sixteen, inspect or replace the cam, and use good oil, and that dreaded tick should stay gone.
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