[asid61]

Last year we predicted some crushing issues. We decided to use some delrin blocks milled to fit tightly inside of a length of 2x1. They had a hole in the center to allow some wire rope to fit through, but it could be used for bolts as well. Took about 30 minutes to make a set of them.
This method worked great for us. Our 2x1 did not crush where we had the delrin.

EDIT: We used washers at one point as well, but they actually ended up warping.