The problem likely isn't the lash adjusters. It's the lack of oil getting to them. Soaking them doesn't do anything. They have to be pumped to expel the air. That only takes a few seconds in the engine.
I'd start by checking the oil pressure with a mechanical gauge. Chrysler built a lot of really tough and durable engines over the years. The 2.7L isn't one of them. If the oil pressure is low, suspect worn connecting rod and crankshaft bearings. You may be able to replace them and save the crankshaft. With excessive clearance, all the oil goes out by those bearings leaving little to go to the cylinder heads.
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Thursday, January 31st, 2013 AT 4:49 AM