If you're replacing the front fork you could try for a suspension corrected 26" fork.
Suspension corrected forks are taller axle to crown. They're intended to maintain a bikes geometry when switching from suspension to rigid. If anything these will be taller than you want.

Just check the axle to crown measure of the current fork, measure the radius of the old wheel with tire, measure the radius of the new wheel with tire, subtract the new from the old, and the difference to the a to c of the current fork, and that will give you the a to c you want for the new fork.

You may want to use a fork with less rake and slightly more than equivalent a to c.
I'm sure there are others here more qualified to make recommendations about geometry, but any useful recommendations will require more info.

Switching the fork and using a drum brake is a creative solution. I hadn't considered that option.

Best of luck. If possible please post pictures.