Can anyone tell me if there is anything behind the rear of the drivers front inner fender that I may damage by beating in the inner fender to stop tire rubbing? Should I just cut out a portion of the inner fender instead?

Not that I'm aware of. I had my inner fenders out and beat the firewall quite a bit. Behind the fender is just the firewall from what I remember. I would take the inner fender off, beat the firewall area, then install the inner fender and beat it to match the firewall, fire in a couple self tapping scews and DONE!!

Sounds like a plan. I am only rubbing on the driver's side when the suspension is compressed while turning. Rubs inner fender and frame.