1&1/2 Ace 49 springs work very well. I don't think you can use a BBB spring and a NF spring, as they have very similar diameters. As for gluing the coupler, I used a little crazy glue and then added hot glue.
I live around Gainesville, GA ,but couldn't make it because my mom had to work and my dad had people coming over to install our gutters. I'll definitely try to make it over next time.
The only thing I can think of is you forgot to put the orange nubs with the springs into the sides. I have no pics but it should be right in the middle of the holes(one on each side). If you lost these then your out of luck.
Thanks for the help! I'll take them out of the trash right now! I think a mod told me to take them out.