Hey fckreher99,
You and my Steve (my suspension guy who makes my springs) would get along great! He is a hardcore V-Dub guy as well. In fact, I did a 74 bug into one of those Cali Rod/Bugs a few years back. I did all the body, and paint, and he did the mechanical. Turned out pretty decent.
Anyways, you can opt to change out the struts for aftermarket and get a little better ride, but not a whole lot over just using the stock struts. I just used the stocks, and trimmed the bump stops to get a little more travel. It is a bit of a rough ride, but you get used to it, and then its not too bad. I never really had any ride issues except like if you go through construction, or coming off a concrete overpass where they have a slight drop off, then it can have a pretty good bounce, but overall not that bad.
If you wanted to go for dropping down like mine, you have two ways to go.
OptionA. Goldline Super Slammers. Will sit 1/4" higher in front, and two inches higher in back. Pretty close on the look, but still has a rake which I don't really dig on, and why I went with making my own.
The good,
It does the job, not a lot of money, and its the lowest aftermarket kit out.
The Bad:
Ride quality sucks (as it is any time you drop a ride that far) They are getting harder to find, and they don't get it to level out like I would like.
Option B: If you would like, I can see about hooking up another set of my springs. The last of the four sets, and the way high end Titanium mix drop springs are already spoken for, but I can see if we can make a couple more as I seem to get a lot of peeps asking about them, so its probably a good idea to have at least a couple more on hand.
The good:
It levels the car, and gives it the stance it deserves. Waaay cheaper than air ride (unless you got some way cool friends) with close to the same results. No cutting, or modding required accept the bump stops which should be shaved down to allow a little bit of travel., and (This one was tested at KMC Corporate Offices) you can actually fit 19" wheels in front, and 20" wheels in back with no issues even with that big of a drop. And lots, and lots of jealous PT Guys asking how you got your ride to sit like that!
The Bad: Due to not getting a break in material, they are expensive as compared to other springs. Why? Cause we have to buy the material at retail instead of buying it wholesale due to bulk shipment. So higher cost material which is $350.00, plus powder coat (though any color you want, or black chrome like mine were, and once again poor ride quality, which is part of slamming your ride to the ground, and watch driveways, speedbumps, and curbs, as they all are the enemy!!!
Other than that, its just another easy normal install, and your ride is on the ground in a couple of hours.
If you have any more questions, please let me know, and I will be more than happy to help.
One last thing: I am getting ready for a 3 month Hospital stay to fix a few spinal issues, and I may be away from the Forums for a while, but I am going to try to arrange so my friend Slayer can keep in touch, so if you might want a set of my springs, just post, and I can call my friend who makes them and see about working up a set while I am away.
Anyways, go easy, let me know whatever you decide to do, and like I said, any questions...
Go easy, and I will catch ya later.
Candyman