2x4 for wood cribbing question...

I want to build cribbing out of wood for greater stability and flexibility (in height) rather than using jackstands.

I know the common sense way would be to lay the lumber sideways such that the the "4" portion of the 2x4 is on the bottom and top like so: _

I was thinking of instead building it so that the "2" portion of the 2x4 is on the top and bottom like so: |

This will give me greater height for every block/layer of wood used.

But, will it be strong enough?

Also, would driving wood screws through the wood stacked this way compromise it's strength?

 

Don’t run them vertically, we do crib stacks to take the load of cars at the fire department. You’re looking at 6000 pounds per point of contact. Two parallel with two on top running the other direction would be 4 points of contact. Overhang the board equal to the width of the board. 2x4 would over hang 4” (3.5”) past the point of contact as you build. Give this a read too. Don’t get yourself hurt. There’s right ways to do this that are safe. https://d3at0mnwuyeh75.cloudfront.net/content/dam/fe/online-articles/documents/FEU/FEU-Leach.pdf

 

Thank you that link!

 

If I'm thinking you're asking for what you are asking for, YouTube has a bunch great of diy wheel crib videos.

 

I'm not quite sure what you are doing here but my "red alert" light just came on.
Vehicles are heavy and gravity doesn't give second chances, don't get hurt.

A 2x4 isn't very strong, I can see the wood splitting at the contact point. I would encourage you to use heavier wood: Rough cut 4x4, 6x6, 2x8 or similar. If you have a independent sawmill local to you they can probably set you up with some good heavy timber. Sawmill wood will be stronger than wood from Lowes.

Probably best of all is some pro-grade jack stands, try your local NAPA store, they will last you a lifetime - buy once, cry once.