If you're looking to nail that aggressive, slammed look, a 5 7 drop obs chevy setup is probably exactly what you've been dreaming about for your truck. There's just something about an Old Body Style (OBS) Silverado or Sierra sitting low to the ground that makes people stop and stare. It takes these 1988–1998 workhorses and transforms them into something that looks like it belongs at a high-end show or cruising the strip on a Friday night. But as anyone who's ever picked up a wrench knows, getting a truck that low isn't just about cutting some springs and hoping for the best.
The 5/7 drop is often considered the "sweet spot" for guys who want their truck to look genuinely low without going the full air-bagged route. It's the point where you really start to see the body lines of the truck shine, but it's also the point where you have to start paying attention to the mechanical details so you don't ruin the ride quality.
Why the 5/7 is the Sweet Spot
When you decide on a 5 7 drop obs chevy, you're making a commitment. A 2/4 drop is subtle—most people might not even notice it right away. A 4/6 drop is when people start asking questions. But a 5/7? That's a statement. It puts the frame rail much closer to the pavement and closes up that massive wheel well gap that these trucks came with from the factory.
The reason it's so popular is that it sits "level." Most OBS trucks come with a bit of a rake from the factory, meaning the back sits higher than the front so it doesn't sag when you put a load in the bed. By dropping the front five inches and the rear seven, you're effectively leveling the truck out while bringing the whole chassis down to earth. It gives the truck a squared-off, planted look that looks fast even when it's parked.
Setting Up the Front: Spindles vs. Springs
To get those five inches of drop in the front of your 5 7 drop obs chevy, you've got a couple of options, and this is where you shouldn't cut corners. Most guys go with a combination of 2-inch drop spindles and 3-inch drop springs.
Why use spindles? Well, drop spindles are basically the holy grail for lowering a truck. They move the wheel hub upward on the spindle assembly, which lowers the vehicle without changing the suspension geometry. This means your lower control arms stay at a relatively normal angle, and your factory ride quality stays intact.
Now, if you tried to get all five inches just from springs, you'd be in for a rough time. Your front end would be stiff as a board, your alignment would be a nightmare to get right, and you'd likely be hitting the bump stops on every tiny pebble. By mixing spindles and springs, you get the depth you want while keeping the truck drivable. You'll still need to get a good alignment afterward—specifically focusing on the camber—because these trucks love to eat tires once you start messing with the height.
Getting the Rear Down with a Flip Kit
The rear of a 5 7 drop obs chevy is a bit of a different animal. Since these trucks use leaf springs, you can't just "lower" them in the traditional sense. To get seven inches of drop, you're almost certainly going to use what's called a "flip kit."
A flip kit doesn't actually flip the springs over (please don't do that). Instead, it "flips" the position of the axle. On a stock OBS, the axle sits underneath the leaf springs. A flip kit moves the axle to sit on top of the springs. This move alone usually nets you about six inches of drop. To get that final inch to reach the seven-inch mark, most people use a lowering shackle.
This setup is great because it's relatively affordable and keeps your factory leaf springs, so the truck still feels like a truck. However, once you move that axle on top of the springs, you run into a big problem: the frame.
The Elephant in the Room: The C-Notch
You cannot run a 5 7 drop obs chevy without a C-notch. Well, technically you can, but you're going to hate every second of it. When you drop the rear seven inches, the axle ends up being only an inch or two away from the frame rail. Every time you hit a bump, the axle will slam into the frame. It sounds like a gunshot going off in the bed of your truck, and it feels even worse.
A C-notch involves cutting a semi-circle out of the frame rail right above the axle and bolting or welding in a reinforcement plate. This gives the axle the travel it needs to move up and down without hitting anything. If you're afraid of cutting your frame, a 5/7 drop might not be for you. But honestly, with the kits available today, it's a pretty straightforward job for anyone comfortable with a grinder and a drill. It's the difference between a truck that's a joy to drive and a truck that's a literal headache.
Shocks and Ride Quality
One mistake I see all the time is people trying to use their stock shocks with a 5 7 drop obs chevy. Don't do it. Your stock shocks are designed to operate at a certain height. When you lower the truck that much, the stock shocks are already compressed almost all the way just sitting in the driveway. They have no room to work.
You need "drop shocks" specifically valved for lowered applications. They are shorter and designed to handle the increased spring rates that usually come with lowering kits. Brands like Belltech or Fox make great options that will actually make the truck handle better than it did stock. You'll notice the truck feels more "planted" in the corners and less like a boat floating on the ocean.
Wheels, Tires, and Avoiding the Rub
This is where things get personal. Some guys love the look of stock 15-inch 454 SS wheels with a meaty tire, while others want 20 or 22-inch billets. If you're going for that 5 7 drop obs chevy look, you have to be careful about your tire's overall diameter and the wheel's backspacing.
With a five-inch front drop, the inner fenders become very precious real estate. If your tires are too tall or your wheels stick out too far, you're going to rub every time you turn the steering wheel. A common tire size for this setup is something like a 245/40R20 or a 255/40R20 if you're running 20s. If you're sticking with 15s, you'll want a lower profile than the balloon tires that came from the factory.
Also, keep in mind that these trucks have a "Chevy Lean." For some reason, the driver's side almost always sits about half an inch lower than the passenger side. Some guys use a small spacer on the driver's side spring to level it out perfectly. It's one of those "once you see it, you can't unsee it" things.
Fixing the Dreaded Vibrations
Whenever you change the ride height of a vehicle this drastically, you're changing the angle of the driveshaft. This can lead to a nasty vibration, especially when you're accelerating from a stop.
With a 5 7 drop obs chevy, you'll likely need to install pinion shims on the rear axle. These little wedge-shaped pieces of metal tilt the axle slightly to bring the pinion angle back into alignment with the transmission output shaft. It's a small detail, but it makes a massive difference in how smooth the truck feels on the highway.
Is it Worth It?
At the end of the day, doing a 5 7 drop obs chevy is a lot of work. You're going to be covered in grease, you're probably going to break a couple of rusted bolts, and you'll definitely spend more time under the truck than you planned. But the first time you pull it out of the garage and see it sitting low, all that work disappears.
There is just no replacing the look of a slammed OBS. It's a classic silhouette that has aged incredibly well. Whether you're building a daily driver or a weekend show toy, the 5/7 drop is the definitive way to give these trucks the attitude they deserve. Just do it right—get the notch, get the shocks, and take the time to dial in the details. Your truck (and your back) will thank you.