I purchased some rods from the local tool store. Didn't want to runs the risk of having a lifter fall. The swap on my car was a breeze. Good luck, getting that lifter out.

 

5/16 is perfect for the right side but might be too tight for the left side. That's why you need to file a flat spot down the length of the rod. You need a bullet point on both rods so they will slide in withouth catching on anything.

 

Well we got the lifter out last night.
We removed all of the bolts for the oil pan and lowered it just far enough until it hit the k-member. Took a pen magnet(plenty of those lying around) and stuck in the drain plug. Caught the lifter and held it up to the top of the hole in the windage pan where the pick up tube goes down and managed to pull it out from the hole in the front right under the oil pump.
Next time I'll use the rods and the magnets. Not going to take any chances.