I just replaced the links on my rear sway bar with shocks and I'm really pleased with the results. The shocks have 2" of travel on each side, so I think it will be an improvement on trails. I left my front sway bar and links in place. Took it down the road and ran it up to a little over 70mph without any problems with the rear end getting squirrely.
If I'm figuring right, this should give me about 4" of articulation in the rear end and do a better job of keeping both rear wheels on the ground.
I'm not sure I'd want to alter the front end, as top heavy as these seem to be. I want all the stability I can get on the steering end.