The Syncro front suspension has very little in common with 2wd models.
Ball joints and bushings are about it.
Control arms, radius rods, springs, shocks, are all different.

We can only speculate as to why VW changed the manufacturing methods for
the front lower control arms. I doubt that cost reduction was the
primary reason. The geometry was not changed AFAIK.  There were various
2wd springs used over the years and I think this is the main difference
in ride between early models and later ones.

Mark

 Damon Campbell wrote:

>I own an '84, and while i really like the way it
>handles (original suspension, still all tight and
>squeak free), i am curious about what was changed in
>the front suspension for later models, as well.
>
>Predominately, is the geometry all the same?  Or were
>just different manufacturing methods used to make the
>same part (typically as a cost reduction exercise)?
>Unfortunately, my westy is on a road trip without me,
>so i can't measure up the older style suspension...
>
>Finally, do syncros have the same front suspension
>bits as a 2wd (with the obvious exception of the front
>hub area)?
>
>Thanks,
>-Damon
>
>