Iv never replaced lifters before,but i know they run incredibly tight clearances so that the oil pressure inside stays constant to take up the play,it is also critical that the same lifter goes back in the same hole when being reused...this would probably mean the work would need to be done with the head off and in at a head specialist if you were doing a major overhaul.
Can i ask why you are planning to do the lifters?
Mine are in perfect nick and they still sound alittle sloppy =)
Iv had the head of twice and while off had them professionally checked.