My DIY Wheel Cribs

[GTP]

Here is my take on DIY wheels cribs. This design variation has a few advantages.

1. Stackable storage
2. The smaller footprint provides a slightly lighter crib.
3. The smaller footprint makes efficient use of 13 pieces of 8-foot 2x4s, and that allows for a wider crib, with longer top.
4. Vertical load is closer to the stack of 2x4 frames, i.e. a lower bending load on the 2x4s

I do my own string alignments now with the Caliper Garage setup.

I just got in a Quickjack 7000TL, and so I thought that wheel cribs can help me with alignments. The cribs allow me to keep the wheels on while I raise the car on the QJ, and then do any alignment adjustments. Then I can quickly lower the car and roll it fore and aft before re-checking the string alignment numbers.

I reviewed some of the designs on 6g and watched a few YouTube videos. I decided to improve the common design as described here.


First I measured the needed overall span for the tires on top of the crib. 20.5" for the Mustang, and 22" for the Explorer. This dictates the overall front/back length of the crib. The small footprint allowed me to up-size the top to 24", and so the end blocks won't pinch against the tires.

Then I wanted to know the true footprint length for the tire - less than 7". This is to get an idea of exactly where the vertical load occurs.

Next I checked just how high my QJ can lift the tires off the floor. Over 12" for the front. (Same as for most DIY crib designs.)

But only 11" for the rear tires (even though the latest QJ models raise cars an extra 3"). That's a problem for a 12" tall crib, but fortunately there is enough clearance for the 3" rubber block. This means that a pair of 3" blocks for the rear pinch weld contacts will get me above 12".

And here is the cut plan.

(Cut_Plan also attached as black-and-white PDF for printing.)

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[GTP]

Finished product, stacked for storage. I made the top pieces 24.25" for a little wiggle room with the stands.

At build completion in friends wood shop.

We used wood glue and a nail gun.

Simple way to get the first layer square.

 

[mavisky]

Going to have to copy this. Was about to jump into developing a set myself, but appreciate you doing the work for me LOL.

 

[Johnny Rockit]

Pretty obvious that you avoided HD Premium lumber. Those are pretty sweet.

 

[1 old racer]

I love it when car guys do things like this. Great job.

 

[Prodigal]

Nice design. Help me out here, how many of each length required total?

 

[GTP]

Buy 13 boards at the store and you will have one-half of one left over.

I updated the Cut Plan in post# 1, showing the 3 top boards stretched by 1/4" (for stacking).

 

[Tucker80]

These look great! Nice work

 

[Jackismydog]

Stupid question:

I just did 2 wheel cribs this week end to check as I do not have quickjack but a regular jack. So I cannot get 12 inches of wheel clearance without compressing the suspension. I measured and have only 6 inches from ground to the bottom of the wheel. But the suspension is open at full length.

As I do not want to create any damage to the suspension, is there a safe way to elevate the wheels ? maybe using the jack? If this is the way, where should i install it ?

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