Question on Control Arm Bushing and Ball Joint Replacement

Hi,this is my 1st time working on my 2004 mini base model and I'am doing the whole suspension system replacement repair but I didn't know about making markings on the control arm and the bushing area, would that make it difficult to set the control arm back and does it have specific arrangement. I already purchased the original replacement part,should I return them and order the poly kind and not have to worry about the markings or what would u suggest, and finally you say the markings on the inner ball joint have which side to replace them on it but is "L" meaningif I,am sitting in the mini on the driverside making it the left or if i'am standing in front of the mini making the "L" the passengerside? I know this mat sound crazy but I rather know than guess. Oh and what is the part that hangs down through the driverside control arm hole that looks like some linkage to I guess speed or brake linkage. thanks for ur patience.

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[Nick at Pelican Parts]

Left is the driver side in the US. Viewed as sitting in the seat.

I would stick with the parts you have, they are in hand and will allow you to begin sooner. Just mark the old parts when removing and align the new parts with those markings.

- Nick