pavedwave longboarding

Ian the Groove Worshipper · Joined: 03 Dec 2008 Posts: 79 Location: Largo, FL

I, too, have done the Randal kingpin swap that was so nicely tutored by Barry.

I found that the Randal kingpin is about 1-2mm longer than the stock Bennett. In that KP clearance is already so scarce with the Bennett, I found this unacceptable. Thus, I placed a lock washer that I found in my Garage onto the kingpin, prior to putting the kingpin into the baseplate. This was sufficient to lessen the height of the pin by approximately 2mm, so that it matches the stock length, or if anything, is just a hair shorter.

If I knew where to look, I would consider placing an order for a 2.5 inch Grade 8 (or even stronger, of possible) kingpin, which would be custom ordered so that it would only have .3 to .5 inch of thread at the very end. I'm sure that if they were ordered in volume it may be something that could be sold for a nominal price, say 5 bucks or less to our community to offset the price of the order. Although the Randal KP is a definite improvement, there is still more threading than necessary for our use, which only causes further unnecessary bushing wear. Since I typically run my KP nut just flush enough to cause the plastic lockring to take hold, I'd really be fine with about 3/8 of thread at the very tip of the KP.

scooterdad · Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2009 1:15 pm Post subject:

Yeah, that all makes a lot of sense.

I went ahead and cut off a couple millimeters of length on the new pin, which was challenging given my toolset, but resulted in a nice overall result with little exposure of the top bushing to kingpin thread. I think the custom kingpin idea you mentioned would be well received.

Landy

Barry · Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2009 10:45 am Post subject:

How Do All Wink

Sorry I have not been about lately; I am busy with other projects that require not getting sucked into cyberspace for hours on end.

Glad to hear you are finding the Randal modification an improvement; though not the ideal; it is very close and as always in this game a compromise on what is ideal and what is affordable.

Sorry about the tools landy, but the right tool for the job makes all the difference Very Happy

Happy Skating.

Take care,
Barry Wink

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Belegnole · Joined: 23 Jul 2008 Posts: 86 Location: Appleton, Wisconsin

A small trick for those chopping the ends off of bolts. Before cutting the end off put a nut all the way on. After cutting remove the nut. This has helped me a bit in the past when I didn't have threading tools. You can also take the bolt to a belt sander and bevel the end a bit...
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scooterdad · Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2009 9:21 am Post subject:

Thanks for the tip! Will certainly try this next time.

timbo666 · Joined: 30 Aug 2009 Posts: 21 Location: Coventry - England

Hey all,

I have found these 3 kingpins also:
http://www.octanesport.co.uk/shop...ers-etc/kingpin-grade-8-each.html
http://www.apollo11shop.co.uk/showdetails.asp?id=2203
http://www.apollo11shop.co.uk/showdetails.asp?id=2207

One is a stainless steel KP from octanesport and the other 2 are Randal KP's. One saying it is for the Randal R-II and the other for the Randal DH.

I like the look, and positive feedback, I've been reading on the Randal KP's. I'll probably be giving this a go!

Can anyone tell me which randal KP you have been using? or is there only one? 2.5"? Is there a difference between the R-II and the DH?

Also, slightly off topic however, what khiro cone bushings do people use? Standard cone or the tall version?

LDPanda · Joined: 21 Nov 2008 Posts: 418 Location: Seattle, WA

If Im not mistaken, the stock randal KP for r-ii's is 2.75". You might want to go to 3" to accomodate some taller bushing combos. I would also highly suggest placing the KP head (rather than the nut) in the baseplate (which is the opposite of how they were shipped to you). This places the point of greatest weakness (the threading) far away from the point of greatest stress (where the KP meets the baseplate). It also makes it easier to change bushings. Im sure samhell and some others will disagree though ^_^

I dont often use khiro cones in my ldp setup except to shim up barrels in the bottom of bennetts. For that purpose, i use the short cones that come in their standard pack (and often shave them down even shorter). Ive also used khiro bitch bushings as top bushings in the front of slalom setups. Ive never used their tall cone but I believe it is approximately the same dimensions as a bottom randal bushing and would probably be used for that purpose.