Tuning Your Trucks

I want more turn!

This is a pretty common desire. It can be achieved by five methods.

1. Loosen the kingpins. This is easy, but it does have limits.

2. Install softer bushings. This is a small expense with sometimes amazing results. Some people like different hardnesses, top and bottom, too.

3. Insert risers. This increases the board’s leverage over the bushings.

4. Insert angled risers/wedges. These change the pivot-axis of the truck. Thin side out results in more turn per board lean, see wedge diagram below.

5. Run a shorter wheelbase. This may involve drilling extra holes. This decreases the turn radius of the board, and often decreases board flex.

6. Run higher angle baseplates. This can be done to both ends, or the nose only.

I want more stability!

This is also a common desire. It too can be achieved a few ways.

1. Tighten the kingpins. Don't over do it though. You still need to be able to steer around sudden obstacles and it can reduce traction.

2. Install harder bushings. Same advice as 1. What is too hard depends on rider weight, hanger width, board-width and pivot-axis.

3. Remove any risers, this lowers the board’s leverage over the bushings.

A thin gasket is still advised to help reduce vibration. Check for wheel-bite before riding.

4. Insert angled risers/wedges. These change the pivot-axis of the truck. Thin side in results in less turn per board lean. This option usually also increases the board’s leverage over the bushings, using a lower angle baseplate is sometimes preferable for this reason. See wedge diagram below.

5. Flip your hangers (see below).

6. Lengthen the wheelbase. This may involve drilling extra holes. This isn't always a good idea as the boards flex will likely increase.

7. Run lower angle baseplates. This can be done to both ends, or the tail only.

8. Lower the board (see below).