The drop links can certainly make a loud clunking noise over rough terrain.
The mechanic is correct. The ball joints wear and clunk.
Replacing the drop links doesn't require an alignment (unless the car needs it).
They are about $100.00 each from the dealer but there are cheaper aftermarket versions.
To replace them is also very easy. Two nuts on each one and it can be done with the car on the ground.
It'll be easier to remove the tire and work on that corner.
Happy Boxstering,
Pedro
Pedro Bonilla1998 Boxster 986 - 311,000+ miles:
[www.PedrosGarage.com]
PCA National Club Racing Scrutineer - PCA National HPDE Instructor - PCA Technical Committee (Boxster/Cayman)
Racecar spelled backwards is Racecar
"Racing is life. Anything before or after is just waiting" ... Steve McQueen as Michael Delaney in "LeMans"
"If you wait, all that happens is that you get older"... Mario Andretti
"Being second is to be the first of the ones who lose" ... Ayrton Senna