A retention device for a valve actuating mechanism to secure a finger follower and lash adjuster together includes a ring member disposed in a groove of a movable piston of the lash adjuster. The retention device also includes a connecting member having a plurality of legs adapted to engage the finger follower and an intermediate base interconnecting the legs and adapted to be disposed below the ring member and about a portion of the lash adjuster to effect a free movement of the connecting member in all pivoted positions of the finger follower.