I'm building up a Pake Rum Runner and have most of the parts picked out but don't know a whole lot about forks. I see the rake on the Pake Unicrown fork that it's usually matched with is a 38mm rake. Could I go less than this for tighter clearance but still make it?

I'm looking for either a steel (Not unicrown, I believe they're just called lugged) or aluminum fork. Is the steel worth the supposed more absorbing ride. Is the aluminum worth the lighter weight? I know it all depends on design more than material but I don't know which designs and brands are good and which aren't.

My price range doesn't have to be anything super cheap but nothing over $120.

Thanks for any input.