You don't mention what size tire you're currently running, so I'm a bit confused... from an overall diameter perspective, the 185/70-15 is nominally a direct replacement for the tires that came on the car from the factory (5.90 or 6.00-15). Ditto for the 165-15 radial that replaced those older bias ply sizes in many cases, also being essentially the same diameter as the 185/70. The point being, if you're currently running anything that resembles stock size tires, there will be very little overall gearing effect when you switch to the 185/70's, and the gearing would actually get about 4% worse (shorter) if you switch to 185/65's.
OTOH, I agree that the wider wheels and tires should help handling and drivability somewhat. But let's be realistic... a tallish, not-so-aerodynamic, 2200 pound car is going to get thrown around a bit when following a box trailer 18 wheeler at 70 mph, wide tires or no! :-)
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Gary L - 1971 142E ITB racer, 73 1800ES, 02 S60 T5 BlueBrick Racing
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