I have everything I need for the 1.6 swap and know I must either lift it 3+ inches or mod the pan. (motor, adapter kit, new clutch)

I am torn between just doing the 3 inch springs or going with the rear springs up front.

Doing this build cheap so far so price is one issue, but I like things that work well too.

All four 3 inch springs are around $400 with bushings and shipping. (trail gear)

Used rear springs are still around $50+ and you still need bushings and the springs are 25 years old. I can build shackles easy and don't relish drilling new center holes in the springs.

I am leaning more towards the new springs right now plus I know I get 3 inches and can fine tune with shackles. Maybe a dropped pitman soon after when I see how much bump steer I get.

If I do the rears up front how much lift will it give me without going crazy on shackles length? Plus I see a lot of reff to the
this mod, but is there a link to the swap that spells it out better? And does someone in the bay area have a set, the local yards are empty and what way to much!!

THX!!!!!!!!!

Well, my mind got made up with a call from a Clist add.

Scored a set 3 inch national springs, dropped pitman arm and both front and rear complete axles with a locker! Axles have a bolt on SPOA kit on them with longer U bolts. (probably recoop what I spent with the extra stuff)

The springs even had poly bushings in them and I got a rear seat (needs recovering) Plus I got most of a shackle reversal kit and a stock set of rims!!

All I need now is a set of transfer case gears, new tires and more time 

if you plan on using the three inch springs with a spring over you are pushing the limits on your drive lines and other parts. you should try to keep it around six inches of lift or lower.

Nope, no SPOA for me. If I had done that I would have been to high for my toy hauler and I wouldn't have needed the springs at all.

Just wanted a few inches for the 1.6, better wheeling and tires.

I am in the process of installing a VW 1.6 and did a SPOA kit from Sky Off Road it was cheap and easy.  I know you said no SPOA kit but just let the air out of the tires when you put it in the toy hauler and air them back up after you put on your tie downs.  Hope this helps.

The SPOA would have been the cheapest, but you really need wider tires and some streering mods. Wider tires and the sway from them while being in the TH would not work. Plus to loose any real height I would have to about flatten the tires with this heavy beast 

I have what I need for both the 3 inch lift or the SR, but need to make one hanger as 1 is MIA. I could do the RUF spring setup to, but no extra rear spring set to use.

PLUS the 1.6 needs about 3+ of lift to clear the pan. With what I have I think the 3 inch springs are the way to go.