The 255 40 18 tread is only 8.2" wide. Wouldn't be right for a 9.5 wheel. The 275 40 18 tread is 9.4" wide and is .8" taller. Just measure that backspace carefully. I think 4 1/4 would be just about right with the narrowed rear-end.
Normal back space for an 8" wheel is 4 1/2, 9" would be 5, 9.5 " would be 5 1/4, deduct an inch for the 1" narrower rear end. Measure your car to see if this will work.
I went the safe route on my chal convert with 255 40 17" on Boyd Smoothies on back. Just for grins, I mounted them on my 71 cuda for a show this weekend. They look good, but I think that I would have liked the 18's even better. I do like the taller sidewall though. They don't look as ricey that way.