Framework-Res.apk must reside in system directory. /system/framework to be exact.
Easiest way to do it without locking up is with adb.
You were right OP that it locks up because it's consistently being used. When I make my mods and such to the framework, this is how I quickly get it to the device.
adb remount (if the kernel supports it in other words, anything but stock)
Turn phone screen on
Adb shell stop (your phone should now have a black screen. This command stops all running threads except the one for adb)
