[El 3.2S]

Bit of a thread resurrection here. I have had a titanic battle with removal of one of the front drop links on my 986S.Finally removed it this morning after numerous attempts, over several weeks. During that time I purchased an impact gun, heat gun, large hammer, decent hack saw and penetrating oil. All these new items played a part but the impact gun finally freed the stuck bolt. I then found it would turn freely but still not come out. Finally I managed. Trouble is now, I cannot get the new bolt in the hole, through the steering knuckle. There is a kind of metal plate obstructing the hole, roughly in the middle. I guess this was why the old bolt would not finally come out. I have pictures but it would not let me post then. Is my problem due to the angle it is jacked up at? I have it level at the front, jacked up on each side, both wheels off. I also tried with an extra small jack under the hub. Any ideas how to resolve this? Thanks in advance.