Replacing lower wishbone ball joints on a mk3

[RichE 1]

Hi all. New to the site, but have had my Cortina since 1992 and am after some advice please. Having successfully removed the old ball joints (upper and lower) with the use of a grinder & 'gentle' persuasion ;-) my new top joints have bolted straight on, but with the lowers (Borg & Beck BBJ5025) the tie bar holes just don't line up...has anyone else had this problem?  or have I got the wrong part? My car is a 1972 1600 ohv XL (p/fl) Subframe sticker - yes, it's still on there! is 71BB-5000DA and under that it says 1548679. Weirdly, I've got round tiebar Bush holes as per a facelift yet rest of subframe (ie horns) are p/fl. Any answers/thoughts will be gratefully received. Will try  & upload  photos (once I work out how to)

[sheffieldcortinacentre 748]

No there all the same, don't tighten any up until all are in.

The tie bar will spring away from arm.

Get a tapered rod/bolt/bar an old chisel ground to a blunt point is good.

Align the tie bar ,ball joint, arm as best you can then hammer your pointed tool (ooh matron) into one of the large holes then use it to lever it inline so the other large bolt can be fitted in, tighten ( not fully) then remove bar & insert second bolt then tighten all for bolts.

[RichE 1]

Cheers!. Will give it a try - was confused as new alongside old don't even look the same bolt holes. Fingers crossed 🤞 

[sheffieldcortinacentre 748]

Glad to help, some do look different to the originals but are the same.