I can't advise on your first couple of questions.

In a message dated 8/31/98 11:57:43 AM, tonyd@CANDESA.COM writes:

>He has redone the back brakes, rotors and all, but I noticed a slight
>"bobbing" when coming to a stop.

This sounds (to me) like the pads and shoes were replaced, but the drums and
rotors weren't turned.

>lastly, the engine sounds loud(exhaust-wise) but I really couldn't see
>and holes in the muffler itself-manifold leak? of course it was dark
>outside by this time.

If the exhaust system was badly rusty, it might have cracks in the pipes
(which would account for the loudness.) This could be true even if the muffler
is in good shape. Depending on the severity this could be a couple of thousand
to repair.