18 inch DR's are rough. I can only get mid 1.7's out of mine, and they snapped my rear end and caused other damage. The sidewall is small, and harder. You are better off going with a 16-17 inch tire with a drag radial or even better, a softer tire like a ET street.
I've run every set of drag radial, except the new NT 05R's
If you are set on a set of DR's for the strip..
BFG 275/35R18s-25.6 inches in height
BFG 295/35R18s-26.2 inches in height
NT05R 285/40's-27.09 inches in height
Nitto does not make the NT05 18 inch tire in the 25.5-26.5 inch range, so I would advise against that tire.
I would go with the BFG 275's on the 9 inch wheel with your power, gearing. The overall height of the tire is smaller, maximizing your gearing.