On the kingpin kits, do some research. I've not bought any, but I've read that some come with plastic bushings instead of brass.
Here is an old saying that explains the lack of a driver's door outside lock. Curb side, safe side. Street side, suicide. Some older models of cars, like the Model T, didn't even have a driver's door.
Since your wife likes the truck so well, maybe now would be a good time to get another one...
