edit: Just expressing my opinion which seems to be opposite of yours, so if you would please tell me why I am wrong that would be greatly appreciated.
You asked, so I'll give my opinion...
(actually on this subject, I would have given my opinion if you had asked or not
)
This stuff is just WAY too important not to discuss it...
IMHO unbolting the control arm at the frame is probably the safest method. Your suspension is in full droop and you should be on the outside of teh hub with many things that would get in the way of a flying spring. When done right you also use a chain so even if the jack does fail you have a safegaurd. With power tools this is by far the quickest method I have found. By the way the person who taught me this method has built many a suspension for the silver state challenge.
The problem I have with this method is that it does not control the enrgy source... it just minimizes the risk of injury. There is still a large amount of energy stored in the springs, and still potential for things to go wrong.
The best way to do this is to lock the spring energy out, by using the proper tools...
The proper tool will create a self contained energy system, which is very unlikely to cause injury or damage in the event of something else going wrong.
I've been part of a couple of 'Accident Investigations' through work.
One thing I have noticed during these exercises is there is seldom ONE thing that went wrong. Most often there are 2-3 things (at least) that contributed to the accident or near miss.
The most recent near miss at my work location was created when 3 things went wrong.
An example may be...
Using a jack to lower the upper control arm, while using a set of hose clamps to compress the spring.
If the hose clamps and jack maintain their functionality, then most likely all will end well.
However, Murphys Law....
The jack can fail.
The hose clamps can fail.
The jack can get caught on debris on the floor, causing un-even unloading of the control arm.
The jack may not be set properly to maintain position, and start dropping over time.
... the list goes on.
You shouldn't be looking at a situation thinking
"I know what will happen" because unexpected things can, and do happen...
You should be looking at a situation thinking
"What could go wrong? And what would the consequences be?"
This is a HOBBY for just about everyone on this forum.
This is something we do for fun, because we enjoy it for one reason or another.
No one should be injured during their hobby... just like no one should have to get injured performing their job.
Wow... that turned out to be longwinded
Sorry to keep ranting on you guys, but thaks for listening and considering what I'm trying to say,
jason
. And not have to risk your butt. The choice is yours.
