Mechanic said I need links for my car, what are they?

Okay, so I have a 2003 Ford Mustang that started making a pinging popping noise whenever I turned. I took it to the mechanic and he said that my struts and shocks are bad, I need a new power steering pump and I need my fluid flushed. Then he said something about links but I wasn't paying attention because I was overwhelmed with the costs of repairs. What are links? There's probably all different kinds and I don't know which one. I want my friend to do the job for me so that I can order the parts but what does he mean by new links?

They are called "end links" and they are part of the anti-sway bar assembly (AKA "roll bar" "sway bar") which keeps the car from leaning excessively in turns. It is the cheapest of all the repairs you mention. Were I you, I'd repair that and let the other repairs slide. If the noise that was happening during turns was your only reason for bringing it in, then it is likely that new end links will fix this. Worn out end links are notorious for making noise.

Struts and shocks. Most people don't understand what these do. Struts are just fancy shock absorbers. When they fail, it does not make the car ride harder - as is the common misconception. People just say "oh you must need new shocks" because a shock absorber is one of the few suspension parts that they are familiar with. When happens when a shock or strut wears out is that the car bounces and continues to after going over a bump - more pronounced with a speed bump or hump. The car has no way to stop bouncing. That is what the shock / strut is for; to limit motion.

They are part of the steering and suspension system. The germ is a bit generic, as can be used in different parts for the steering system, but for you car he most likely was talking about sway bar links.

http://www.1aauto.com/1994-04-ford-mustang-steering-and-suspension-kit/i/1asfk01167?f=667691&y=2003