Looking at the pics, I think it may have a lot to do with the Apex design. The lip follows the angle of the spokes and pushes out:
https://www.apexraceparts.com/media/...Comparison.jpg
http://www.myapexparts.com/wp-conten...8-Profiles.jpg
It's funny -- going from the 9.0 width to 9.5, I can feel how the sidewall has stiffened with the additional stretch. The handling is more responsive, but impacts are harsher. I may go a little wider with the next set of tires, but I'm ok with the trade off for now since we are driving the wagon more on trips so I'm almost always alone and hooning when driving this car.
The fender hanger clip? It's on both sides. I had just removed it in the first pic. I flattened it out a bit with a hammer to give more clearance, then reinstalled it, then ground the stud all the way down to the nut.