... Shockmaster21,... you mentioned that you guys used 1/2" 8-32's in a 4" plaster ring... did you re-tap the holes?? a common plaster ring usually is threaded for 6-32 screws.. were you using "1900" 4" square boxes or 4" octagonal boxes in the ceiling??
I'm just trying to get a mental picture of your installation..
Russ

.."if it ain't fixed,don't break it...call a Licensed Electrician"