The last pic with the top plate offset is how I place it under the tire, the edge of the top plate is lined up with the edge of the contact area of the tire, the bottom plate sticking out about 1.5" As the tire is lowered it slides the top plate over the bottom plate until they are almost lined up. 1.5" is about all the movement there is, I lift from the center of the crossmember.

Gotcha! You purposely "preloaded" an appropriate offset into the plates before you lowered the car onto them, So simple... But not obvious!

On 8/28/2016 at 9:09 AM, Namerow said:

Although I have not tried this, another strategy that I read about involves placing each tire on top of a pair of sheet-metal pads.  The contact surfaces between the two pieces of sheet-metal are lubricated so they'll slide.  I seem to recall that sand was used, but grease might be a better -- albeit messy -- solution. 

Plus: car can be rolled onto the pads without needing a jack, and both ends of the car are at the same level.  Minus: less clearance to get at the bolts you're trying to torque.

sand works excellent because it acts like little bearings. i've used this method before and it works reasonably well.