1997 Thunderbird front suspension

My 1997 Ford Thunderbird LX (90,000 miles) pulls to the right when breaking. I have replaced the front rotors and pads and the dealer says the calipars are working properly. When driving the stearing is stiffer than normal and appears to have a "memory" when turning. The dealer says this is due to the rubber gromets in the control arms being dry rotted and the suspension moves when braking. The dealer says the control arms, ball joints, and all gromets need replaced for a cost in excess of $1,000. Could this be a different problem? I love this car and really want to keep it maintained. Its the best driving car I have owned. I like it so much that when my 1996 was totalled, I found and purchased this 1997.