John - Another thought on your brakes issue.
If your pedal is "solid right at the top", you might want to recheck your pedal to toe board adjustment setting. The toe board clearance for your pedal arm to the underside of the floor board is supposed to be 1/4". If less than that, it could cause the pedal and rod not to fully release from the master cylinder, keeping the brakes partially engaged.
Thanks Dan! I'll go check that right now! Yes - the pedal is solid right at the top.
