I've dragged out getting the suspension back in my Mini for a long time (for various reasons - parts issues, breaking my toe, some other household and auto priorities, laziness, etc.)

I've got the rear suspension buttoned up, but I can't figure out what I'm doing wrong putting the front back together. The control arm bushing mount doesn't line up with the holes:

Old (OE) part on the bottom, Lemfordor (LEM-3990601) on the subframe (sorta...)
It seems like the distance between the end of the control arm for the bushing is too long from the inner ball joint. But the Lemfordor part is the same size/layout as the OE (from what I can see).

I must be missing something obvious, but for the life of me...
Some other views:


I know the black insert needs seating, but it isn't setting the distance. I don't think the PowerFlex bushing set is the problem - the control arm seems too long, but there isn't anywhere else to mount the inner ball joint...

I'm frustrated... If I had hair, I'd be pulling it out...

 

Looks like the bushing housings are on the wrong side - backwards. Will they line up if you swap sides?

 

I had them installed the other way (because they fit), and the tabs were at the wrong angle as I was raising it up. And the part numbers say they're in the right place. I'll double-check again tomorrow... :(

 

You have the bracket upside down. Flip it so the part number faces the subframe and the black bushing is toward the control arm.

 

I might just be that stupid...

*sigh*

(will try it out after coffee)

 

We have all had those days! Let us know how it turns out! (pun intended)

 

It turned out fine. I appreciate the back-check. I'm feeling like a doofus, but they were locked down shortly after the post, and the subframe is attached (though not torqued down - got interrupted.

I sincerely hope I never have to do that again - damn is getting that thing up there is tight!