Its been a slow couple weeks for my project after getting it back from paint. The heat here in the deep south tends to suck the life-force out of me this time of year.

I did make some mostly overdue maintenance progress on my X5 project including:
- oil change with high mileage synthetic
- aborted fuel filter change, after dropping the protective guard with 4,321 bolts, due to wrong filter received from Pelican
- subframe bushings
- a right front axle
- 4 wheel alignment
- more monkeying with the rear ride height- not perfect, but getting there I hope. There seems to be about .5" to 3/4" of slop in the system from side to side which is driving me nuts. I probably need to suck it up and install ISTA, and learn how to use it.
- a pax side window regulator and new clips on both front windows

I'm holding off on installing a new lower radiator hose and a timing chain tensioner I was planning on putting in because I purchased a 4.6 to swap into my 4.4i. Sort of making it up as I go along because the motor will need work, I don't have a garage and I certainly don't have a lift. I've got some time to think about it while I wait for it to arrive (if it arrives) in several weeks and I see what I'm dealing with.

I still need to get some roof x rails to hold my Thule box at highway speeds, upgrade the factory audio if the chip shortage ever lessens, and work out how to integrate a rear spare tire carrier that looks like it came with the car.

post hood and roof paint.