How low should I go?

Daug, If I remember correctly you live where I grew up. Been there several times and put a fair amount of miles on my Golf that was >3.5" from the ground. I'd say your fine to go pretty low as long as you watch the road.

If you plan to go to coils at some point sooner than later go with the cheaper springs, if you are going to wait a few years I'd go H&R.

unfortunately, all the direct fit springs springs are within a few bucks (20-40) of each other..

knowing your getting H&R ride quality for the price difference is worth it.

My plan right now is H&R springs with the GR2 shocks that I can't remember who makes. I also need to get some stiffer bushings to really give my car a great suspension. Currently I have a slight wobble that I think is just tire wear since I'm overdue for a rotaion and balance. I'm hoping I can finish up the suspension rims and tires with my taxes. This thread can be closed, and thanks for the information.

GR2s are from KYB. I had them on the 04 I used to have. it is front excel2 and rear GR2, I matched them with the eibach pro-kit, I loved the ride and handling

Thanks for that. Yes they are highly recommended across the forum, that is my reason for choosing them.

Are the H&R Springs all you need for lowering?

yes. for a @ 1.5" drop.

It is recommended to get the KYB shocks and struts, due to early wear on the factory parts. KYB is better able to handle the lower ride height.

I'm sure there are options other than KYB, but those are the only ones I bothered to remember.

you dont need the kybs though, its more like when your oem wears out you should buy kybs instead..

oem the shocks "should" see 100K miles, with the lowering springs the oem shocks will most likely still last over 80=90k.
the kybs, even though they are stiffer, they are the exact same length as oem, so they will wear "faster" on lowering springs too. I dont think 1.5" drop is really enough on either set of shocks to make premature wear a real issue. The whole idea cme about from 3-4" drop springs which nowadays are less available if at all because of coil overs.

I see, thanks for the explanation. Just made it possible for me to spread my expenses out a bit.