Now that I am thinking about it, I might just get the 3" trail gear springs and possibly go RUF in the future as outlined in LRORs website,( http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/index.php/suzuki/samurai/suspension-parts/trail-gear-3-lift-leaf-springs.html )
Thats exactly what I plan on doing, the main reason being that I don't weld. I understand that lift springs ride rough but so does stock, and if I can get lift and more suspension travel I don't mind a little rough ride. I don't think you should wait to go RUF if you decide to stay spua, using the lifted short front springs would be that much harsher and not allow much more travel.
Trail gear are what I plan on using because of price and lift, lror has good things to say about them. A couple other choices would be OME, probably a better ride but less lift and Deaver springs,same lift as the TG's but better ride, problem is they cost a lot more, only available from rocky road. Some kind of steering correction would still be needed, not sure if a drop pitman arm would be enough, a half ott would still be best. I don't think theres much if any cost savings going that route, doing a RUF kit with new springs etc. could even cost more.
One setup I've seen on another forum that I really like a lot is 2.5" lifted OME YJ's spua.