yes the nuts were 1/2"

Stretching the spring is a bad idea.. wont last long before the spring sets back to it's original length.. If you change the spring to the one we mentioned it will be alot better than trying to stretch the stock spring which the springrate is alot less. Just make sure you lubricate the piston seal properly before you assemble it.. If you're not sure about the nuts, bring the piston along with you and make sure the nuts fit inside properly without too much play or too much friction.