Time for new wheels and tires

The current set up is up front is Mickey Thompson sportsman’s 26x7.50-15 LT and rears are Mickey Thompson ET Streets P235/60R15. It’s been upgraded to 5x4.5 all around and has 73 discs up front now as the drums were done away with. I was in the understanding that more of a contact patch upfront would help handling and control of the car. My wife will be driving it as well so I want to set her up for success. The car is manual steering so that’s new to her as well. Is there truly a big difference in handling between a 14 and 15” wheel up front, or was that comment just your personal preference?