You can increase your clearance easily if you wish with the 18.4s. We just install a shim where the ladder extention butts up against existing support. We also add a horizontal support from left rear of cab (diagnal support there now) to hand railing on the extention. This supports the ladder assembly much better for when big guys jump on. I'm sure your right about the 20.8s unless maybe some creative modifing would make room for them. Take care