Can You Put Longboard Trucks and Wheels on a Skateboard?

Longboarding and skateboarding are interchangeable to many people, but there are quite a few differences. Besides style and control, the main differences between skateboarding and longboarding come down to the shape and size of the hardware. So, can you put longboard trucks and wheels on a skateboard?

You can put longboard trucks and wheels on a skateboard, but it can cause problems such as wheel bite. Longboard trucks are too big and wide for skateboard decks, so you may have to drill new holes to accommodate them. The other downside is that longboard wheels are too big and soft for a skateboard.

This can cause you to bounce when you land a trick. However, it’s difficult to land a trick with longboard trucks and wheels on a skateboard. Follow along as we explore whether or not to put longboard trucks and wheels on a skateboard and what you can expect.

How are Longboard and Skateboard Trucks Different?

The main difference between longboard and skateboard trucks is their size. Longboard trucks are significantly bigger than skateboard trucks which are compact and narrow. Skateboard decks are often narrower than longboards, so they need suitably smaller trucks.

For example, you would only need 144-148 millimeter trucks for a skateboard deck in most cases. However, you’d likely need a set of 180-millimeter trucks for a longboard. Longboards also typically require thicker riser pads to avoid wheel bite.

Typically, a 1/8” riser pad is enough for a skateboard, but you can go up to ½” for a longboard. Skateboard and longboard trucks share the same anatomy despite the size difference. The hangers are simply wider to accommodate the greater board width.

How are Longboard and Skateboard Wheels Different?

Longboard wheels are typically bigger and softer than skateboard wheels. Skateboard wheels are hard and small because that helps increase speed and prevent bouncing when landing tricks. Longboard wheels measure 64-80 millimeters, and skateboard wheels measure 48-60 millimeters.

Can You Put Longboard Trucks on a Skateboard?

You can put longboard trucks on a skateboard, but it is typically inadvisable. Longboard trucks are too big for the average 8”-8.5” skateboard deck, and longboard trucks can cause wheel bite. You will need to install riser pads to protect your deck from wheel bite if you put longboard trucks on a skateboard.

Can You Put Skateboard Trucks on a Longboard?

You should not put skateboard trucks on a longboard. Longboards require bigger trucks to where the wheels sit at or past the edge of the deck. With skateboard trucks, your wheels would be tucked in far toward the middle of your longboard making it difficult to shift, balance, and steer.

Can You Put Longboard Wheels on a Skateboard?

Avoid putting longboard wheels on a skateboard. You would need to use longboard trucks to fit the wheels because of the difference in diameter between longboards and skateboards. Longboard trucks are bad for skateboards, however, so it’s not worth the extra trouble.

Can You Put Skateboard Wheels on a Longboard?

It’s bad to put skateboard wheels on a longboard because of your bearings. You typically need to use special bearings to support longboard wheels because they move differently than skateboard wheels. These bearings are typically too big for skateboard wheels, so they won’t fit.  You will also sacrifice control if you put skateboard wheels on a longboard.

How to Put Longboard Trucks on a Skateboard

1. Install Riser Pads

Place your longboard on a flat surface with the graphic facing upwards. Select a pair of ¼” or ½” riser pads and line them up to make sure they line up with the holes for the trucks. Put the riser pads in place so that the holes are in line with the holes in the deck.

2. Set Your Trucks

Now, set your trucks in place to see if they line up with the holes and riser pads. If not, you will need to drill new holes in the deck. It all depends on the hanger size. Once you get the right fit, you can secure your trucks to your skateboard.

Grab your hardware and use a skate tool to install the trucks. Drive the screws through each hole in the longboard on the side with grip tape. Keep going until the screws go through the trucks tightly. Place a nut on each screw on the underside of the trucks so that they are secure.

3. Add Bearings and Wheels

Now, you are ready to add the bearings and wheels. First, slide an inward-facing bearing onto each bearing. Slide a speed washer onto each axle on your trucks to get started. Add one more inward-facing bearing onto each truck axle.

Carefully line up each wheel and push it onto the axle to lock the bearings in place. Check to make sure that the wheels are all tight and even. Slide one more speed bearing onto each axle from the outside of the wheels. Tighten or loosen your wheels with a skate tool as needed.

Read our related post: How Tight Should Longboard Wheels Be?

Benefits of Adding Longboard Trucks and Wheels to a Skateboard:

The key benefit of adding longboard trucks and wheels to a skateboard is that it can help with cruising. You’ll be able to roll, pump, and carve if your skateboard deck is wide enough. Longboard trucks and wheels also provide a smoother ride which is essential for many skaters’ comfort. Otherwise, the cons tend to outweigh the pros when it comes to putting longboard trucks and wheels on a skateboard.

Disadvantages of Adding Longboard Trucks and Wheels to a Skateboard:

Wheel bite is the biggest disadvantage of putting longboard trucks and wheels on a skateboard. This occurs when the wheel and deck pinch together causing a “bite”. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it can also cause you to lose control or fall off of your board.

Wheel bite can also damage your deck and quickly strip away the graphic in that area. You can avoid this if you install a truck riser, but not all of them are thick enough to protect against wheel bite. Longboard trucks and wheels are also incompatible with skateboards in some cases, so putting them on a skateboard doesn’t always work.

Final Thoughts

You can put longboard trucks and wheels on a skateboard, but it’s not a great idea. Skateboards require smaller trucks with narrow hangers. Longboard wheels are also too big and soft for skateboards which can limit your speed and control. Use riser pads if you decide to put longboard wheels on a skateboard because it will reduce the risk of wheel bite.