When I switched pads last I switched the lines to so I had the calipers off. I layed them on a board and got the appropriate size socket and extension to fit the piston and beat it back with a dead blow hammer worked great but sprayed brake fluid all over so make sure your not pointing the lines at any painted surfaces that you like when you do it. Check the Percy
That sucks to hear, really have to feel for people when something like this happens. Houses can be replaced and memories are really only in your mind anyway, atleast nobody was hurt.
The stock crank is pressed together and when you up your compression typically over 160psi it tends to want to separate the crank. When you weld it you are essentially trying to keep it from being able to separate but it can still happen if the welds break. I run a welded crank now for a little security but there