Step Notch Flush With Top of Bed

[Cris]

I've static lowered my truck 2" in front and 5" in the rear (springs only) and it's just not low enough. I am now thinking of going 5 to 5 1/2" in front (springs and dropped spindles) and 7 to 7 1/2" in the rear. I'll need to notch the rear, and for strength am looking at step notches.

I want my bed to stay at the stock height so I was thinking of cutting a hole in the bed so the step notch sits flush with the top of the bed and maybe covering it with a piece of brushed stainless. I'd do the same for the diff. Has anyone gone this route?