Am I correct in saying the balljoint is riveted to the wishbone? can bolts be used instead and would I get bolts with an OEM quality part?

From what i can gather if the front balljoint is worn or damaged you have to change the full arm, unless they do the balljoint only. If so yes you have to drill the rivets out and fix the new balljoint on with bolts using the original holes. Normally comes as a kit if they do one.

Update, FORD do a balljoint and the cost i got given was £42.00 + vat. But they told me they normally change the full arm and dont bother with just the balljoint.

thanks Tez, I'll attempt the balljoint itself