Select trucks with an axle width that is within 1/4 inch of your deck width, if not exactly the same size. If you are unsure of the size you need, just make sure the trucks do not stick out.

Choose your truck height based on skating style and wheel diameter. To avoid wheelbite (when a wheel touches the board, stopping you immediately), higher trucks are needed for any wheels over 56 mm. Risers can also be added between a truck and the deck to give you a greater clearance.

Find the perfect combination of speed and turning. Depending on how you want to skate, you need to give yourself the proper clearance to perform tricks, skate a ramp or race. You may want a stable truck in back and a more agile truck upfront for slalom, but generally you'll use two of the same trucks adjusted similarly.

Pay attention to the hole pattern to see if it is new- or old-school style. Although some trucks do come drilled for both, you must make sure your deck and trucks are drilled the same to avoid having to drill new holes.