Built to order
Posted by Flatout Suspension on Jan 16th 2025
Current Lead Times
Product Line | Estimated Lead Time |
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Flatout SR & CS | 3–4 weeks |
Flatout GR Lite / GR Plus / GR40/ GR40R | 3–4 weeks |
Flatout PRO 3-Way Models | 8–10 weeks (no rush orders) |
Flatout Trail Runner (TR) | 6-7 weeks |
Flatout Level Lift Kit | Typically 2–3 business days |
Why We Build to Order
All of our suspensions are built to order — we generally don’t keep inventory on hand. There are a few important reasons for this:
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High demand: We can’t keep up with stocking because orders are constantly flowing in. Our production schedule is focused on building active orders.
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Customization: Many customers request small changes. A build-to-order system lets us tailor components without being locked into pre-built stock.
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Variety of configurations: Just for the 2015–2021 Subaru WRX, there are numerous variations — it’s not feasible to stock every option.
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Made specifically for you: Each suspension kit is assembled fresh for your order, not something that’s been collecting dust in a warehouse.
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Unpredictable demand: What’s popular this week might not be next week. Stocking the “wrong” configurations would only delay other customers’ builds.
We occasionally have a small number of in-stock suspensions due to last-minute order changes. You can check these under Shop by Product → In Stock on our website.
Packaging & Shipping Details
Some suspension systems are longer-travel designs that don’t fit fully assembled in our standard boxes. To protect the parts and ship efficiently:
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We pre-compress the shocks and use bands to fit them securely in the box.
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In some cases, springs may ship separate from the shocks (between boxes).
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We leave the top nut loose so all you need to do is place the spring, torque the nut to spec, and complete setup. (Full instructions are included.)
Note: We can’t set preload or final ride height prior to shipping.
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Reason 1: The assembled units wouldn’t fit in the box.
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Reason 2: Every vehicle has unique corner weights — final adjustments must be done on your car using our setup guide.
About Production Times
Our busy season runs from November through March, and lead times often extend to 8–10 weeks during this period.
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Popular applications (e.g., Subaru Outback) may ship faster because we build them in batches.
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Specialty or one-off applications (e.g., a lift kit for an Audi R8) may take longer due to additional research, testing, and validation. We take this seriously because our goal isn’t to rush—it’s to get it right the first time.
You wouldn’t want us to rush your build. A well-prepared suspension saves you time, frustration, and extra labor down the line.
Order Status Updates
We’ve introduced order status updates to keep you informed throughout the build:
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Awaiting Fulfillment: Order received, parts and components are being prepped (typically 2–3 business days after your order).
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Preparing for Final Assembly: Plated components are back and springs/parts are staged for assembly.
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Final Assembly / Packing: Your suspension is on the workbench. This phase typically transitions to “Shipped” the same day.
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Shipped: Your order is on its way.
Important:
“Awaiting Fulfillment” is usually the longest phase. If it’s been 2–3 business days since ordering, rest assured your components are in progress. Our lead times are 3–4 weeks on most models, so an email on day 3 won’t yield much new information — but your order is moving forward.
Final Thoughts
We know you’re excited to receive your suspension — and we’re just as excited to send it. Every time we get an email from a customer saying, “I just got my suspension today and I’m blown away!” — it makes it worth it.
Our lead times reflect the fact that every system is built specifically for you, not pulled from a dusty shelf. Good things take time.
TL;DR: We have extended lead times due to high demand and meticulous build standards.
You can’t rush perfection — and we won’t.