yup, cut them off. but first install all spacers on the axle you need to bring your brake/disc running.
after that, center the rim (without tire its easier) + WITH the vbrake tab you can center it twice as easy.
when you rim is centered, you can probably let the vbrake tabs. i had similar "problem" on my old trekking bike.
it works(with vbrake tabs), but you have to flat the tire complete to squeeze the wheel out.
i have no measurements about the height or width, but here are some weights from 17 and 19 inch tires.
Continental KKS 10
2.00 x 19 ---------- 1215g
2.25 x 19 RF ------ 1610g
2.00 x 17 -----------1102g
2.25 x 17 RF -------1378g
2.75 x 17 RF -------1597g
Heidenau K34
3.00 x 19 ------------ 3540g
Michelin M62 Gazelle(all RF)
2.25 x 17 ------------ 2210g
2.50 x 17 ------------ 2335g
2.75 x 17 ------------ 2750g
3.00 x 17 ------------ 3060g
M62 3.0 17 vs K34 3.0 19