Rods are definitely clear, I presoaked them prior to assembly, I added 8oz seafoam to 6qt oil, before it was started, and the oil looks brand new still (ran for an hour or so) so it can't be too dirty, I spent a long time cleaning the head and block of all sludge w/ starting fluid and an air compressor.
I believe it was dark when I filled the oil and I added 7qt by mistake, haven't drained excess yet. So 7qt oil + 8oz seafoam... Would this be enough to cause the crank to smack the oil and foam it enough to not pump through all lifters? I'm thinking the oil pressure was gone before due to that reason, as it had it and then lost pressure

 

I also cleaned out every lifter with starting fluid, and primed them (filled tops and bathed in oil)
But I will check them on Friday when I have the day off, thanks guys

 

Cleaned and primed all lifters as well, it's running 7 qt of valvoline high mileage, and 8oz seafoam, is the oil level getting hit by the crank and foaming? Causing me to drop pressure last time it ran, and have pressure days after?
I've heard valvoline is bad for the 4.0? I'll check the lifters by pumping on Friday, thank you.

 

Like you say, overfilling to the point of having the crank actually froth the oil like an egg beater is possible...I hear. I have no problem with Valvoline, but 7-1/4 quarts of anything sounds like too much. Might enplane your erratic pressure. If mine was high on the stick, I'd pull the plug for a couple secs and put it back, get it on the mark and go from there. Or drain it and go fresh with Castrol or Rotilla....

To actually prime a lifter you put it in a can of oil and work the plunger. It will stop making bubbles. Squirting through, or running a wire through a push-rod tells you it's clear.

 

I had similar issues and it was the cam bearing.

 

What kind of clearance on the rods & mains? Cam bearings should be done anytime the block is out of the vehicle.