Not a bad direction for a trail rig.
I wouldn't shorten the wheel base unless you only wheel very tight trails and little to no hill climbs or rocky staircase sections. Most move the front axle forward 2-3" lengthening the wheel base, which also allows to to run a lower ride height since you clear the firewall easier.
If your current rig is still relatively clean, you might consider swapping it with a 2wd, cheaper to turn into a SAS'd rig and it will ride lower due to the design of the front frame rails.
