You might have This question in your mind that Can You Put Longboard Trucks On The Skateboard? The short answer to this is Yes, You can Put longboard trucks on the skateboard if you follow a series of steps and go with the guidelines. This is good if you want to use your skateboard for cruising.
The addition of longboard trucks to a skateboard does not allow you to perform flip tricks. Moreover, you will need to add ½ “ riser pads to avoid wheel bite. You cannot just put the longboard trucks on a skateboard, you will have to choose the perfect-sized wheels to go with it too. In most cases, wheels of 70mm diameter fit perfectly well.
So, let’s see how you can put longboard trucks on a skateboard easily at home.
Tools Required To Put Longboard Trucks On The Skateboard
To turn your skateboard into a cruiser, you will need some tools. These are mentioned below.
- 2 Longboard trucks
- 4 Longboard wheels
- 2 riser pads of ⅛ to ¼ inches
- Skate tools
- Grip tape
- Drill to make holes
- Medium to hard bushings
Stepwise Guide To Put Longboard Trucks On Skateboard
Putting longboard trucks on skateboards is not hard. All you need to do is follow a series of steps and you are done. Fortunately, we have brought you a stepwise guide on putting longboard trucks on skateboards.
Step 1: Drill Holes
Before putting longboard trucks on the skateboard, you need to make sure that the mount holes line up. If they don’t, you will need to drill new holes. For this, lay your skateboard upside down on a flat surface. Now, check if the truck holes synchronize or else drill new ones using the drill machine.
Step 2: Fill The Old Holes
If the need to drill new holes arises, you will have to fill the old ones. These can be filled by the use of sawdust and wood glue. When filling the holes, remove the grip tape at that point too.
Step 3: Place The Trucks
To convert your skateboard into a cruiser by using longboard trucks, make sure that they face in the opposite direction as they would on a skateboard. Moreover, the kingpins should face outwards.
Step 4: Add The Wheels
Once the trucks have been added, now it’s time to add suitable wheels to go with the trucks. Here, 70mm wheels will fit perfectly well. However, when it comes to wheels, it is entirely about your comfort level. Some find 63mm wheels comfortable while others ride the board easily with 56mm wheels.
Related Article: Step-by-Step Guide on How to Put Trucks on a Skateboard
Step 5: Add Riser Pads
The addition of riser pads is crucial to avoiding wheel bite. This is because when you add the wheels, the deck is in contact with them and there is a very high chance of wheel bite. Hence, the addition of riser pads of ⅛ to ¼ inches works perfectly well. With a handheld sander, sand down the top surface of the wheels before adding riser pads. The medium to hard bushing is also essential for longboard trucks to experience smooth cruising.
Advantages Of Using Longboard Trucks On The Skateboard
The addition of longboard trucks to skateboarding can prove fruitful to some while others might find it difficult to ride such a skateboard. Some of the pros are mentioned below.
- They enhance speed and make balancing easier. Hence, riding long distances is easier, making them a perfect option for commuting.
- Suitable for performing longboarding and cruising tricks.
Disadvantages Of Using Longboard Trucks On The Skateboard
Slapping longboard trucks on the skateboard can prove to be an entire menace for someone. Some of its possible cons are discussed below to help you make the right decision for yourself.
- The performance of traditional skateboard tricks is almost impossible. This applies especially to the flip tricks.
- There is a high risk of wheel bite if adequate height riser pads are not added.
- The trucks are tightened which makes twisting and turning difficult at times.
Wrapping Up
The use of longboard trucks on skateboards can prove fruitful for some while for others it might be a sheer headache. It all depends on the type of tricks you want to perform with your skateboard and your comfort level with the balance it provides. Hence, if you are converting your skateboard into a cruiser, it is good that you must use riser pads and hard bushings for a good outcome.
FAQ’s
1. Can you put longboard trucks on a skateboard?
Yes, you can put longboard trucks on the skateboard. However, when doing so, make sure you know that you will be unable to perform flip tricks and other traditional skateboard tricks. Moreover, make sure you add riser pads to avoid wheel bite.
2. Are longboard trucks and skateboard trucks the same?
No, the longboard trucks differ from the skateboard trucks in various aspects. First of all, longboard trucks are wider (between 150mm and 180mm) than skateboard trucks. Secondly, in longboard trucks, the kingpins face outward while on skateboards they face inward.
3. Are riser pads essential?
Yes, when you add longboard trucks to the skateboard, then riser pads should be added too. This is because this will avoid wheel bites making skating easier, especially when turning corners.
