Small update
OK so rims have arrived and also the crites kit. Going to start "editing" the wheel wells and moving the leafs in this weekend. After doing a lot more research on tire sizes...... it seems that the consensus among tire shops is a 285 40 17 is really the biggest a 9.5" rim should have. This is the not the max size that will physically fit on the rim but the max size that is recommended by tire manufacturers. I may still go to a 295 40 17 if the deal is right.
I will be taking lots of pics during the "editing" and will post pics as it unfolds.