Thanks for the help with the code dean, I think the faint bleed over went away, it looks like it but I will know for sure tonight when its darker. I was also able to reduce the huge delay timing from 10000 to delayMicroseconds(500) and it works just fine.
As for the 595 I was thinking of using 4 TIP122 or 2n2222 transistors to provide the power to the digits and a special high power 595 to ground/sink the current too. You can buy it here from adafruit TPIC6B595 High Power Shift Register [TPIC6B595] : ID 457 : $1.95 : Adafruit Industries, Unique & fun DIY electronics and kits
Has anyone tried that chip before or is there a better way to go about powering all 4 digits?
Also CrossRoads you said I would need "4 transistors, to sink the combined 140mA" I am still new to this but if the transistor is turned on and switches current from say a 5volt source/collector would that transistor be sourcing the current to the display digit?
Thanks
Chris