When the upper links go the boots are almost always torn. You can jack the vehicle up and feel if they are torn. I dont know of any way to replace just the ball joints.
Agreed. Unless its a front track. I know of a couple of 400 hp s4's with aftermarket clutchs that wont chirp the tires during shifts. If it is a front track you maybe be seeing the first signs of clutch wear.

 

yeah it is fwd, clutch couldn't come at a worst time