Today was pretty much the final step in getting this thing caught up and in good shape. I hope.
New front brake pads today - Power Stop Ceramics. The PO did new pads and rotors, but whatever they put on there was making me sound like a garbage truck at every stop, so we swapped them out this morning and it's nice and quiet.
So, it was far from painful, far from inexpensive, but I'm real happy with the truck now. It drives nice, stops nice, rides nice, and looks nice. Let's hope for at least a few months of trouble-free enjoyment.