On the road update:
Brakes quit working - based on everything else that had happened I figured it would be something like a Master Cylinder rebuild. Nope. Just a bleed, fluid add, and all systems were go. A hand from a Waxahatchie, TX local named Glen (BlueDeuce on here) and everything was solid. Thanks again BlueDeuce and good luck on your trip to Colorado in a couple months.
I left for Missouri a couple days ago. On the way my alternator quit and my truck sprung a couple of leaks from my fuel pump, but nothing a little wrenching and a locally sourced alternator won't fix. Thank God for rural fire departments being really friendly and fully stocked with Deuces and 5 tons. Now I can see if they're willing to part with a spare alternator, or maybe head up to the yard in Rolla.
In another week here (around Mountain Grove, MO) I will get back on the road to head for Southern Maryland. Wish me luck. Mile 2,943 / 4,021. MD is the end of phase one of our travels.