Kickstand / spring replacement

[Odin]

So the new kickstand I ordered came in (see post last week "some @#% hit my bike") it appears to be a bit longer than the original. but the other parts line up fine, so no sweat. The pin seems the same distance away on both stands, guess the new one is just an inch longer for whatever reason..?
However after 2 hours of struggling, and otherwise cursing at everything, I still can't get the Spring connected at both ends. Closest I got was opening it up with Vice grips to extend it far enough, but then i can't get the spring off the C-clamp to attach it to the kickstand Pin. Just wondering how many have replaced the spring, and what was the best way to do it. Otherwise I'm still frustrated and no closer to riding my bike til I get it put on.
Thanks

 

[BadS1]

Did mine this Summer. I just duct taped the end so it didn't get all dinged up and I grabbed it with a Channel Locks. Had to really pull but 5 minutes it was all done.

 

[Odin]

I finally got it on. Had to use Vice Grips, then put a screwdriver in the middle of the spring so it wouldn't close all the way, and allow a greater range when pulling.
It's gotta be about an inch longer than the stock kickstand, so now the bike doesn't lean over quite as much. kinda concerned about that, in heavy winds, or such... though i've never had a bike fall over for that reason. guess we'll see.