Carbon, IMHO if all that they changed on your car was the front links, you got screwed. I bought both my links for $32 each and it only takes about 45 min to change each one, less if you're a dealer with a hoist. That's Canadian dollars by the way. I'd find another dealer.
As for the brakes on these cars, I think the normal ones are undersized and the SVT is adequate. Did you know that all V6 Cougars got the SVT brakes? It's cause Ford didn't wuss out and put 14" wheels on them.

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96LX/ATX/A4 repeaters/SVT exhaust/KKM/E1 suspension/SE rockers/BAT swaybar/urethane bushings/Kenwood 7 speaker syst./E1 SVT brakes
Soon: E0 rims/225/50r16 somethings......

96LX/24V/ATX/Midnight Red/A4 repeaters/SVT exhaust/KKM/65mm throttlebody/SVTsprings and ST200 struts/SE rockers and BAT spoiler/BAT 19mm swaybar/urethane bushings/Kenwood 7 speaker syst./E1 SVT brakes w Powerslot rotors/9005 lowbeams/885 fogs/50% tint/Michelin XM+S 130's for winter/E1's with gForces for summer...and now "New Paint!!"
87 Renault GTA convertible/2.0l/mtx/Sony sound/otherwise stock
http://members.shaw.ca/neilmc/