I needed to have the front tie rod replaced, so the tire shop looked at the brakes and it only needed front pads! Came out relatively cheap overall with an alignment. The tires wore unevenly because of the tie rod so I got new ones. The tires last about 40,000 miles, just like on the CDI.
One thing did come out of it: at 115,000 miles, the rear springs are sagging compared to the front end after alignment. The shop should have either recommended new ones or lowered the front thereby softening the ride, which I would have liked. Oh well. Can't have everything in a small town!
Now I am waiting for the funds to replace all 4 shocks, including the rear springs, and to soften the ride using advice from
http://www.whnet.com/4x4/ml_springs.html
PL