The Thunder Thread

[FrenchSkater]

I bought medium Bones bushings for my new pair of Thunder 147s. I find the stock bushings very stiff, and especially for winter, this seems like a good solution. However, I’m wondering will the Bones bushings change the wheelbase or height of my trucks ?  If anyone who regularly uses Bones bushings has more details , thanks !

[Obijuan91]

I bought medium Bones bushings for my new pair of Thunder 147s. I find the stock bushings very stiff, and especially for winter, this seems like a good solution. However, I’m wondering will the Bones bushings change the wheelbase or height of my trucks ?  If anyone who regularly uses Bones bushings has more details , thanks !

Indy conical bushings. Don’t change the geometry and stay consistent

[MetalAnkleMan]

indy bushings are not the same height as thunder bushings. i have all, stock thunders and aftermarket indy conical and cylinder. indy's are taller than thunders. if you use the flat washer that comes with bones, it will be the same height as thunders with the washers that comes with the trucks.

[Obijuan91]

indy bushings are not the same height as thunder bushings. i have all, stock thunders and aftermarket indy conical and cylinder. indy's are taller than thunders. if you use the flat washer that comes with bones, it will be the same height as thunders with the washers that comes with the trucks.

Seemed same height when I compared em side by side. Only the top one was taller and that doesn’t mess with geo

[Mooseknuckle666]

I purchased the thunder inverted kp and noticed the kingpin isn’t hollow did they change something or am I tripping because I thought when they came out it was hollow?

[JM]

I purchased the thunder inverted kp and noticed the kingpin isn’t hollow did they change something or am I tripping because I thought when they came out it was hollow?

It was hollow, and they got a bunch of broke ones back on warranty replacement. 

So they released a solid kingpin to reduce breaking.

That’s the very short story of it.

[Sedition]

Expand Quote

I purchased the thunder inverted kp and noticed the kingpin isn’t hollow did they change something or am I tripping because I thought when they came out it was hollow?

[close]

It was hollow, and they got a bunch of broke ones back on warranty replacement. 

So they released a solid kingpin to reduce breaking.

That’s the very short story of it.

Speaking of which, how are the "new" ones?

[Mbrimson88]

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I purchased the thunder inverted kp and noticed the kingpin isn’t hollow did they change something or am I tripping because I thought when they came out it was hollow?

[close]

It was hollow, and they got a bunch of broke ones back on warranty replacement. 

So they released a solid kingpin to reduce breaking.

That’s the very short story of it.

[close]

Speaking of which, how are the "new" ones?

The kingpins don't seem to break at all now on the solid inverted kingpin versions, which is good.

People who constantly change out bushings or tighten and loosen and tighten and loosen will find that the nyloc wears out on the inside of the built in baseplate shaft nut (as it does with any brand of standard built in inverted kingpin option), but nothing a little Loctite can't fix.

Funny thing with those hollow kingpins breaking - seems to only happen in colder months here, as when they first came out, a couple of people broke them soon enough, but then their replacements / same trucks / same hollow kingpins for the warmer months have had no issue so far.

I have also been on a couple of sets of the hollow inverted kingpin Thunders and no issues with them for me.

The solid kingpin is the new standard option with the inverted Thunder trucks, but I have not even thought of weight on my setups, maybe because they are lighter than my usual Indy trucks, but others who have had both say they are much the same anyway.


* The main thing for me is no kingpin hangup, with really good clearance on the inverted options, which was maybe the only issue I had previously when I rode them for a few years, oh so long ago now.

[chillclinton87]

Expand Quote

indy bushings are not the same height as thunder bushings. i have all, stock thunders and aftermarket indy conical and cylinder. indy's are taller than thunders. if you use the flat washer that comes with bones, it will be the same height as thunders with the washers that comes with the trucks.

[close]

Seemed same height when I compared em side by side. Only the top one was taller and that doesn’t mess with geo

i skated bones mediums in thunder and there must be a difference in height...as far as i remember.

the red thunder bushings that come with the rebuild kit are 90A hardness but don't freeze as bad in the winter!

[Texas_Tone]

https://youtube.com/shorts/ovLyTgHUWLc?si=5LFsNayN9agAZLOR

Here’s Frankie skating the new ones, dude needs a board sponsor

[JM]

I had first session on the purple IKP bushings.

They felt oily… and I wonder if that’s why they’re softer than the other bushings.

(And they ARE soft. Boy howdy)

[tangar]

Thanks Franken, I ordered 151s from Cowtown. Will report back after 2-3 sessions like a sane person.

[Mbrimson88]

I had first session on the purple IKP bushings.

They felt oily… and I wonder if that’s why they’re softer than the other bushings.

(And they ARE soft. Boy howdy)

Yes they sure did feel softer, but do firm up nicely, or at least did for me.

Also I think there is often something on the bushings or the other truck parts, hangers, etc as everything feels a little more squishy than some older ones I had set up recently.  When I wiped it all down, they felt a whole lot better.

I think the inverted purple bushings took a few sessions to really start to feel normal but after that they are much the same as a few other colours I have in other Thunders now, all 90 duro and all fairly normal for those bushings or should I say comparable to pretty much any brand 90 duro bushings in general.

[JM]

Expand Quote

I had first session on the purple IKP bushings.

They felt oily… and I wonder if that’s why they’re softer than the other bushings.

(And they ARE soft. Boy howdy)

[close]

Yes they sure did feel softer, but do firm up nicely, or at least did for me.

Also I think there is often something on the bushings or the other truck parts, hangers, etc as everything feels a little more squishy than some older ones I had set up recently.  When I wiped it all down, they felt a whole lot better.

I think the inverted purple bushings took a few sessions to really start to feel normal but after that they are much the same as a few other colours I have in other Thunders now, all 90 duro and all fairly normal for those bushings or should I say comparable to pretty much any brand 90 duro bushings in general.

Super, thanks. Good to know.

It reminds me of new Indy trucks how they always were super loose at first but then settled in to normal feeling loose.  (I’m going way back to stage 8/9 with the conical bushings)

[Turtle Boy]

Are you guys able to tell on the footage who rides the T1 and who rides the T2? I'd be curious to know if Bobby De Keyzer and  Kyle Walker ride the T1 or the T2.
I just thought about that the other day, most truck company don't really change the appearance of their trucks when they go high or low and you cannot really know what is the pro riding (unless we are talking about indy with the Stage 4).

[Sedition]

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

I purchased the thunder inverted kp and noticed the kingpin isn’t hollow did they change something or am I tripping because I thought when they came out it was hollow?

[close]

It was hollow, and they got a bunch of broke ones back on warranty replacement. 

So they released a solid kingpin to reduce breaking.

That’s the very short story of it.

[close]

Speaking of which, how are the "new" ones?

[close]

The kingpins don't seem to break at all now on the solid inverted kingpin versions, which is good.

People who constantly change out bushings or tighten and loosen and tighten and loosen will find that the nyloc wears out on the inside of the built in baseplate shaft nut (as it does with any brand of standard built in inverted kingpin option), but nothing a little Loctite can't fix.

Funny thing with those hollow kingpins breaking - seems to only happen in colder months here, as when they first came out, a couple of people broke them soon enough, but then their replacements / same trucks / same hollow kingpins for the warmer months have had no issue so far.

I have also been on a couple of sets of the hollow inverted kingpin Thunders and no issues with them for me.

The solid kingpin is the new standard option with the inverted Thunder trucks, but I have not even thought of weight on my setups, maybe because they are lighter than my usual Indy trucks, but others who have had both say they are much the same anyway.


* The main thing for me is no kingpin hangup, with really good clearance on the inverted options, which was maybe the only issue I had previously when I rode them for a few years, oh so long ago now.

Danke!

[SwitchBenihana]

Both myself and Dad Board had issues with the IKP Thunders loosening. Tom Asta mentioned it on his channel subtly too. It's not as bad as Mindy, but would be a half turn an hour or so.

[Ok]

Are you guys able to tell on the footage who rides the T1 and who rides the T2? I'd be curious to know if Bobby De Keyzer and  Kyle Walker ride the T1 or the T2.
I just thought about that the other day, most truck company don't really change the appearance of their trucks when they go high or low and you cannot really know what is the pro riding (unless we are talking about indy with the Stage 4).

i’m also curious who rides what. and the bobby would have me buy a pair.
kyle would have me not buy a pair.

[Sedition]

Both myself and Dad Board had issues with the IKP Thunders loosening. Tom Asta mentioned it on his channel subtly too. It's not as bad as Mindy, but would be a half turn an hour or so.

Holy hell. That's a hard no.

[Turtle Boy]

Expand Quote

Are you guys able to tell on the footage who rides the T1 and who rides the T2? I'd be curious to know if Bobby De Keyzer and  Kyle Walker ride the T1 or the T2.
I just thought about that the other day, most truck company don't really change the appearance of their trucks when they go high or low and you cannot really know what is the pro riding (unless we are talking about indy with the Stage 4).

[close]

i’m also curious who rides what. and the bobby would have me buy a pair.
kyle would have me not buy a pair.

I was just mentioning those two because they use or have used riser pads at some point on their trucks.

[Mbrimson88]

Expand Quote

Both myself and Dad Board had issues with the IKP Thunders loosening. Tom Asta mentioned it on his channel subtly too. It's not as bad as Mindy, but would be a half turn an hour or so.

[close]

Holy hell. That's a hard no.

Also why I have never really touched inverted kingpin options in the past as people say they ALWAYS come loose at some point, but I have to say, running a DIY inverted kingpin in regular Thunders is so easy now with the hex head bottom they have made in the baseplate of all their normal (cast) trucks these days.

If the nut starts to have issues, just replace it as it is not fixed in, compared to almost every inverted kingpin truck these days with a shaft nut built into the baseplate.


* I guess that is why the Ace system for their inverted kingpin is so amazing, but right now I am enjoying a whole lot more fun on Thunders.


Pic of the older version baseplates on the left with a squared compartment that may or may not hold a kingpin nut, then the newer version on the right where the kingpin nut just sits right in there, nothing else needed.

[Richard Skidder]

Speaking of the inverted Thunder:
Has going from hollow to solid on the inverted kingpin stopped them from breaking as often?
If so that would put to rest the debate about anything hollow being stronger.

[Sedition]

Speaking of the inverted Thunder:
Has going from hollow to solid on the inverted kingpin stopped them from breaking as often?
If so that would put to rest the debate about anything hollow being stronger.

Was addressed a few posts back/above.

[Mbrimson88]

Expand Quote

Speaking of the inverted Thunder:
Has going from hollow to solid on the inverted kingpin stopped them from breaking as often?
If so that would put to rest the debate about anything hollow being stronger.

[close]

Was addressed a few posts back/above.

To be fair, I think the hollow kingpins on regular versions of the top brands of trucks are stronger.  If not stronger they are definitely a harder metal as they just don't seem to grind the same way that regular kingpins do, or more than anything, they just screech and stop on most things, compared to regular kingpins which still chirp but don't seem to be quite so abrasive, if that makes sense.

Maybe with the Inverted Thunder kingpins, there was a heat treat issue, or who knows what else, but they were good until they broke, for the most part, seems like the ones I had seen sheared off in a different way to other broken kingpins back in the day, but I could be wrong.  Any which way, having a kingpin that does move a little more  (as any inverted kingpin will do) maybe it was those forces acting on the hollow kingpins that caused them just to have unforeseen issues, or even just the temperatures, as more seemed to break in cold weather.

That's my take on it anyway.


* I haven't seen or heard of any regular / solid kingpins breaking on any inverted trucks in a long time though, but maybe it is early days for some still.

[tucker_brooks]

did they get rid of the black accents for the T1?

these are the standards on skatewarehouse (i checked the pics to make sure they didn't accidentally put the hollow lights as the standards)

but tactics still has black accents on the standards

[Richard Skidder]

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

Speaking of the inverted Thunder:
Has going from hollow to solid on the inverted kingpin stopped them from breaking as often?
If so that would put to rest the debate about anything hollow being stronger.

[close]

Was addressed a few posts back/above.

[close]

To be fair, I think the hollow kingpins on regular versions of the top brands of trucks are stronger.  If not stronger they are definitely a harder metal as they just don't seem to grind the same way that regular kingpins do, or more than anything, they just screech and stop on most things, compared to regular kingpins which still chirp but don't seem to be quite so abrasive, if that makes sense.

Maybe with the Inverted Thunder kingpins, there was a heat treat issue, or who knows what else, but they were good until they broke, for the most part, seems like the ones I had seen sheared off in a different way to other broken kingpins back in the day, but I could be wrong.  Any which way, having a kingpin that does move a little more  (as any inverted kingpin will do) maybe it was those forces acting on the hollow kingpins that caused them just to have unforeseen issues, or even just the temperatures, as more seemed to break in cold weather.

That's my take on it anyway.


* I haven't seen or heard of any regular / solid kingpins breaking on any inverted trucks in a long time though, but maybe it is early days for some still.

I thought that the hollow kingpin catches more on grinds because the kingpin has more edges to catch, ( the inside circle and the outside circle). I’m pretty sure they are the same grade 8 steel as the standard kingpins. I’ve read on here somewhere that hollow is supposedly stronger because the heat treatment not only hits the outside of the kingpin or axle but also the inside as well. That would be assuming that the rods are poured hollow or bored out prior to heat treatment being applied. However if axles/kingpins are poured solid and heat treated before boring the holes then the aforementioned heat treatment inside and out would be untrue. Honestly I should probably look into that.

Yes @Sedition I looked back and saw the brief discussion but I wanted to dive a little deeper into the subject as I wanted to explore the theory of hollow axles as well as kingpin strength.

EDIT-

After some research I discovered:
Hollow components are grade 8 steel.
They are poured solid, then heat treated, then bored.

EDIT 2-
The hollow variant is 5-10% weaker than their solid counterparts.

[Mbrimson88]

did they get rid of the black accents for the T1?

these are the standards on skatewarehouse (i checked the pics to make sure they didn't accidentally put the hollow lights as the standards)

but tactics still has black accents on the standards

It seems they have different stock than some other places too, but I also notice the Ti axle version has orange bushings, whereas the originals always had white.  Maybe it is newer stock too, or they get things before other places due to their size of account.

I haven't seen any white bushings in a while, when they are listed as the aftermarket options, so maybe they are using the stock orange in other products if they are out of white ones.


In 2020 / 2021 or around that time, they were testing a few options and I have a number of trucks from that time with silver kingpins as well, which often had different coloured parts.

Maybe they are just mixing things up or going with the popular opinion that plain silver is easier for everything, but who knows really.

[rawbertson.]

Are you guys able to tell on the footage who rides the T1 and who rides the T2? I'd be curious to know if Bobby De Keyzer and  Kyle Walker ride the T1 or the T2.
I just thought about that the other day, most truck company don't really change the appearance of their trucks when they go high or low and you cannot really know what is the pro riding (unless we are talking about indy with the Stage 4).

The main way we know is because they shot an ad specifically for the truck, or they have posted a setup on story or done a setup video.

As far as determining for certain from footage, You have to look for things that would give it away, you cant really tell on hangar alone from like 99% of clips, unless it is a very specific coloured hangar from that time period. For example, right now, there are no coloured T2s, so if its a thunder rider using a coloured hangar, then it would have to be a t1.

Final clue - T2s have a very specific "Baja Blast" coloured opaque bushing, where the standard Thunders have more "transparent" looking blue bushings. I noticed on the deathwish video Sean OConnor using T2s in at least one clip because of the colour of the bushing. There may be other clues too. 

[Amocat]

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

Speaking of the inverted Thunder:
Has going from hollow to solid on the inverted kingpin stopped them from breaking as often?
If so that would put to rest the debate about anything hollow being stronger.

[close]

Was addressed a few posts back/above.

[close]

To be fair, I think the hollow kingpins on regular versions of the top brands of trucks are stronger.  If not stronger they are definitely a harder metal as they just don't seem to grind the same way that regular kingpins do, or more than anything, they just screech and stop on most things, compared to regular kingpins which still chirp but don't seem to be quite so abrasive, if that makes sense.

Maybe with the Inverted Thunder kingpins, there was a heat treat issue, or who knows what else, but they were good until they broke, for the most part, seems like the ones I had seen sheared off in a different way to other broken kingpins back in the day, but I could be wrong.  Any which way, having a kingpin that does move a little more  (as any inverted kingpin will do) maybe it was those forces acting on the hollow kingpins that caused them just to have unforeseen issues, or even just the temperatures, as more seemed to break in cold weather.

That's my take on it anyway.


* I haven't seen or heard of any regular / solid kingpins breaking on any inverted trucks in a long time though, but maybe it is early days for some still.

[close]

I thought that the hollow kingpin catches more on grinds because the kingpin has more edges to catch, ( the inside circle and the outside circle). I’m pretty sure they are the same grade 8 steel as the standard kingpins. I’ve read on here somewhere that hollow is supposedly stronger because the heat treatment not only hits the outside of the kingpin or axle but also the inside as well. That would be assuming that the rods are poured hollow or bored out prior to heat treatment being applied. However if axles/kingpins are poured solid and heat treated before boring the holes then the aforementioned heat treatment inside and out would be untrue. Honestly I should probably look into that.

Yes @Sedition I looked back and saw the brief discussion but I wanted to dive a little deeper into the subject as I wanted to explore the theory of hollow axles as well as kingpin strength.

EDIT-

After some research I discovered:
Hollow components are grade 8 steel.
They are poured solid, then heat treated, then bored.

EDIT 2-
The hollow variant is 5-10% weaker than their solid counterparts.

The heat treated then bored part is interesting as I swear I've heard numerous times hollow is supposedly stronger because basically the outside and inside are heat treated.

[SwitchBenihana]

Can you post a link to that because that's not how tubes are created for almost anything else. I work in cycling and all tubes are created by pressing and rolling a sheet. Reynolds and others document this process on their website.

Boring an axle would be annoying. Getting a bit to stay centered on a tube of that length is way more work than creating a tube the same way Reynolds does. It was always my understanding that nearly all cromoly tubes were made with this same technique. The tubes are then heat treated and threaded. They would thus be heat treated on both sides as usual.

What I did observe, which could be horse shit, is that the Thunder tubes look visually thinner than Indy. I've bent all types of Thunder axles, but never an Indy axle. Part of me thinks that not having a barrel or truss contributes to this.