OK Z community...had a new set of tires installed today and the shop lifted my 280z by the control arms, front and rear. I called them on it, citing the front cross-member, differential, rockers, even chassis rails, as a better lifting point...was told I was wrong.

 

Now there is a new clunk over bumps, and wandering steering.

 

 

 

Probably depends on which part of the control arm was used and how wide and distributed the lifting pad was.  The ends, under the struts, probably not a huge deal.  In the middle, not recommended.  But, definitely not designed for it.  People these days just aren't trained in how to work with stuff bigger than a phone.

 

Are there visible bends or dings in the arms?  You probably should have been emphatic and left the shop when they resisted.  Lifting a car is basic shop knowledge. I can't even imagine being told I was wrong when someone was working on my car.  The customer, etc....

I second Zed's comments: The control arms are not lifting points. Shame on the people who did that to your car. It might be a good idea to have anotehr shop check out your car to see what the new clunk is from and if it is related to lifting the car by the control arms.

I'll put the car on stands this weekend and look the arms over, and try to chase down the clunk, which may or may not be related. Just a bummer.

You had it right. the only jacking points are the front chassis cross member, the diff, or the side jacking points. It sounds like they did some damage to your suspension. Make them fix it and never go back!

You can also lift the car under the TC rod chassis mounts and the seat belt pockets at the rear of the floor pan.

Well, thanks guys, glad to know I'm not crazy. Anal, overly protective of the Z-Car, maybe. But not crazy. Nothing to be done now but move on...speaking of which...have to add a Z to my signature...

Never lift on the chassis rails.. they will dent..  just on the 4 jack points.. and if they can't hold the weight.. your car needs restoring

 

I have seen many 280zx with completely ruined framerails because of theyre weight..