I'm installing a Shotgun this weekend and I'm not sure what to do about the front. I had the idea to do a 2" overall drop, but I'm working on my build in stages since I'm broke...mostly.

The issue with doing the 2" drop is that I want to go from the current 21" wheel to a 23" fat spoke wheel up front. I get that I'll gain 2" in height, essentially nullifying any drop that I've done. So would that mean a 4" overall drop is needed? How much does it cost to lower the front? Would it just be stupid to go ahead and lower the front just to have to lower it even more later?

I also want new forks and a rake, but that probably won't be happening this year. My girlfriend doesn't graduate Radiology tech school until next summer.

 

Best doing -2 under fork tubes and progressives 2" drop. The progressive drop ins are cheap so you could do that now. And later when you have the coin to do the front end, buy the -2 under tubes, that'll take you to 4" and I think that's what you'll need to get the it looking sweet. Though if you rake the front end later, you can always raise the front a little if you wish by putting a slight longer spacer back in with the progressive springs

 

You'll get a 1" increase in height with the larger wheel, not 2.
With the front lowered and the larger wheel, check that your fender won't hit anything when the suspension is fully compressed. You might need the extra rake for clearance.

 

Duh. Brain fart.