Opinions on a fix for a DE3600 Brass Sleeve Nut

My Hayward DE3600 filter has a Clamp Assembly w/ Spring that is no longer available.

The Brass Sleeve Nut finally stripped to the point where it would not catch on the stud. In fact, the end of the stud threads got bunged up as well.

So I cut off the bad threads off the end of the stud. Now even if I get a new brass sleeve nut it would not ever catch the shortened stud with the spring on it.

So I bought some 3/8-24 SS nuts and stacked them up.

I am nervous about this fix because of the pressure in the filter. One year I didn't get the clamp on properly and the rubber O-ring popped out. Sounded like a truck tire coming off its rim.

Couple of pix to show you the story.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i3...pringfix-1.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i3...terSpring2.jpg

Anyone with experience with this model? Similar story?

What function does that spring play other than a visual for torquing the nut?

Thanks